sever

[ sev-er ]

verb (used with object)

1. to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.
2. to divide into parts, especially forcibly; cleave.
3. to break off or dissolve (ties, relations, etc.).
4. Law. to divide into parts; disunite (an estate, titles of a statute, etc.).
5. to distinguish; discriminate between.

verb (used without object)

1. to become separated from each other; become divided into parts.

sever

/ ˈsɛvə /

verb

1. to put or be put apart; separate
2. to divide or be divided into parts
3. tr to break off or dissolve (a tie, relationship, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English severen, from Middle French sev(e)rer; separate

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

C14 severen, from Old French severer, from Latin sēparāre to separate

Example Sentences

But the decision now to sever economic ties with the eastern regions was a surprise—and a gamble.

From The Daily Beast

They [the regime] try to sever connections between those living outside and those based inside Iran.

From The Daily Beast

It is unlikely that this ‘revolution’ in Kiev will sever a centuries-old bond.

From The Daily Beast

A large coalition of Palestinian civil society groups is now calling on Oxfam to sever ties with her “immediately.”

From The Daily Beast

She must immediately sever any relationship with the Scouts, the letter said.

From The Daily Beast

The ax was to sever the head from the lifeless body, and all the headless trunks were to be interred together.

From Project Gutenberg

There was no mystery about the tragic occurrence except that it seemed to sever an old friendship that once was firm as a rock.

From Project Gutenberg

Take the scalpel and sever the spinal column without cutting the larynx.

From Project Gutenberg

His conduct entangled the skeins of Spanish intrigue into a knot which only war could sever.

From Project Gutenberg

On the morning of the twentieth the Emperor himself, with Lannes and Wrede, set out to sever the enemy's line.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• abandon
• break off
• dissolve
• put an end to
• separate
• terminate