splintering

(noun) the act of chipping something. Synonyms: chip, chipping.

(verb) withdraw from an organization or communion. Synonyms: secede, splinter, break away. Example: "After the break up of the soviet union, many republics broke away."

(verb) divide into slivers or splinters. Synonyms: sliver, splinter.

(verb) break up into splinters or slivers. Synonyms: splinter, sliver. Example: "The wood splintered."