Crossword Genius

Divided heads of state patently lacking in trust (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

split

'divided' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'heads of state patently lacking in trust' is the wordplay.
'heads of' suggests taking the first letters.
The initial letters of 'state patently lacking in trust' is 'SPLIT'.

(Other definitions for split that I've seen before include "Ripped" , "Riven; schism" , "Divide, break apart" , "Break; fissure" , "share out" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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