sever

American  

[sev-er] / ˈsɛv ər /

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.

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verb (used without object)

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

sever British  

/ 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)

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Etymology

Origin of sever

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

Example Sentences

Identity is very much fluid at this historical juncture, when a man’s severed leg turns up in the belly of a dead shark and no one can identify it.

From The Wall Street Journal

Treasury has said it would assess whether potential transactions fully sever Lukoil’s relationship with the assets, and if the Russian company would receive a windfall.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the Pacific region alone, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru have severed their diplomatic ties with it and switched to Beijing since 2019.

From BBC

"We were besieged inside our house and couldn't leave," she recalls, describing how power, water and internet connections were all severed.

From BBC

Many criticized Adidas for being slower than other companies to sever its relationship with West, who now goes by Ye.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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