Here is the verb “cleave” used in contradictory ways.

The verb in the statement “She cleaved to her mother.” means stick fast, cling or adhere. “Cleave” in this case is derived from the Old English cleofian.

The verb in the statement “She cleaved the limb from the tree.” means cut off or split. “Cleave” in this case is derived from the Old English cléofan.

So “cleave” can mean either adhering or splitting.

Talk about confusing English verbs for non-native English speakers!