severance

American  

[sev-er-uhns, sev-ruhns] / ˈsɛv ər əns, ˈsɛv rəns /

noun

1. the act of severing or the state of being severed.

2. a breaking off, as of a friendship.

3. Law. a division into parts, as of liabilities or provisions; removal of a part from the whole.

4. severance pay.

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severance British  

/ ˈsɛvərəns /

noun

1. the act of severing or state of being severed

2. a separation

3. law the division into separate parts of a joint estate, contract, etc

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Other Word Forms

• nonseverance noun

Etymology

Origin of severance

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English severaunce, from Anglo-French; equivalent to sever + -ance

Example Sentences

The draft law reduces severance pay, allows payments in kind and restricts vacation usage, among other proposals that the General Confederation of Labor considers "regressive."

From Barron's

T-Mobile said severance and costs related to a workforce transformation and reinvestment initiative had hit its earnings for the quarter by 26 cents a share.

From Barron's

The recent quarter included certain severance costs, net of tax, of $293 million, the company said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Pentagon said the severance of ties would begin in the 2026-2027 school year, with military personnel attending classes able to finish their studies.

From Barron's

The union is pushing for larger severance packages and for its members to be transferred to other local Peet’s stores with open positions.

From Los Angeles Times