divide vs disperse

divide is a noun but disperse is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
divide	Yes	No	Yes	No
disperse	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, disperse is a hyponym of divide; that is, disperse is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than divide:

Other hyponyms of divide include partition, zone, break, break up, dispel, dissipate, scatter, rail, rail off, detach, close off, shut off.

divide (noun)	disperse (noun)
a ridge of land that separates two adjacent river systems
a serious disagreement between two groups of people (typically producing tension or hostility)

divide (verb)	disperse (verb)
perform a division	cause to separate
move or break apart	cause to become widely known
force, take, or pull apart	distribute loosely
make a division or separation	separate (light) into spectral rays
separate into parts or portions	move away from each other
act as a barrier between; stand between	to cause to separate and go in different directions