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

But now, their black-speckled corpses were severed from their roots, plucked from the earth one by one.

From Literature

In granting the AI company an injunction last week against the Pentagon’s attempts to sever its contracts, Judge Rita Lin referred to, among other things, the large number of amicus briefs on the company’s behalf.

From The Wall Street Journal

The war has severed key logistics routes, scared away tourists from cities like Dubai and dramatically reduced air traffic throughout the region.

From The Wall Street Journal

A number of charities have already severed their links with Ferguson after an email from 2011 revealed she called Epstein her "supreme friend" and seemed to apologise for her public criticism of him.

From BBC

He startled Beijing by taking Tsai’s congratulatory call on his election, making him the first U.S. president-elect to speak directly to a Taiwanese leader since 1979, when Washington severed formal diplomatic ties with the island.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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