What action best defines "cleave" in a physical sense?

The term "cleave" has a dual meaning, but in this context, the physical sense of the word pertains most closely to the action of cutting apart. This is a fundamental interpretation of "cleave," often associated with cutting through or splitting something into parts. For instance, when using a cleaver in a kitchen, one is performing the action of cleaving by chopping meat or vegetables.

While the other options present plausible actions, they do not capture the specific physical connotation of "cleave" as effectively. Holding tightly might be associated with the alternative meaning of "cleave," which is to adhere or stick closely to something, but it does not reflect the cutting aspect. Mending or fixing relates to repair, which moves away from the connotation of separation intrinsic to cleaving. Enhancing or improving suggests a process of augmentation, which also strays from the fundamental idea of cutting or splitting. Thus, the choice of "to cut apart" aligns perfectly with the primary physical definition of "cleave."