Cryptic crossword clue
Compelled to abandon daughter in split 5

The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word RIVEN

I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
R
I
V
E
N


Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "split" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case split = riven.
The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.
This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.

What does RIVEN mean?

RIVEN verb
  1. To tear apart by force; to rend; to split; to cleave.
  2. To pierce or cleave with a weapon.
RIVEN adjective
  1. Torn apart.
  2. Broken into pieces; split asunder.

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