A phrase for "driven apart"

Question

I'm writing an analysis of a short story. The couple in the story has a troubled relationship and I want to say "This doubt drives them apart."

So far I have come up with, "Esta duda separa a uno del otro." However, I use separarse in the very next sentence, so I don't want to sound too repetitive. Are there better ways to get my point across?

Answer 1

Here are three verbs that might work.

impulsar

dividir

empujar

I'm sure there are others. Hope it helps!