divide vs partition off

divide is a noun but partition off is not a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
divide	Yes	No	Yes	No
partition off	No	No	Yes	No

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

divide (noun)	partition off (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)	partition off (verb)
perform a division	divide into parts, pieces, or sections
move or break apart
force, take, or pull apart
make a division or separation
separate into parts or portions
act as a barrier between; stand between