dissever

American  

[dih-sev-er] / dɪˈsɛv ər /

verb (used with object)

1. to sever; separate.

2. to divide into parts.

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verb (used without object)

1. to part; separate.

dissever British  

/ dɪˈsɛvə /

verb

1. to break off or become broken off

2. (tr) to divide up into parts

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Other Word Forms

• disseverance
  noun
• disseveration
  noun
• disseverment
  noun
• undissevered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of dissever

1250–1300; Middle English des ( s ) everen < Old French dessevrer < Late Latin dissēparāre, equivalent to Latin dis- dis- ¹ + sēparāre to separate

Explanation

To dissever is to separate or divide something. If you spend too much time staring at screens, you might want to dissever yourself from technology and go camping this weekend. These days, the verb dissever is considered old-fashioned or primarily literary — you're more likely to use words like sever or detach. It can be useful if you need a more poetic way to talk about dividing things, though: "Don't go to Maine for the summer; I can't bear to dissever my heart from yours!" Dissever comes from a Latin root, separare, "to pull apart."

Example Sentences

Yet it is grievous to think, that in some instances a difference, which extended no further than to the outward polity of the Church, could dissever and almost alienate those whom grace had made one.

From London in Modern Times or, Sketches of the English Metropolis during the Seventeenth and Eighteenth Centuries. by Unknown

But—and I forbear to lead up to it artistically—I dissever myself from your chariot wheels.

From Ancestors A Novel by Atherton, Gertrude Franklin Horn

Still shall the valour, love, and truth, That shone on Scotland's early youth, From Scotland ne'er dissever; The Shamrock, Rose, and Thistle stern Shall wave around her Wallace cairn, And bless the brave for ever!

From The Modern Scottish Minstrel, Volume V. The Songs of Scotland of the Past Half Century by Rogers, Charles

They are now indeed a peaceful people; severe as are the hardships of their condition, they are, in the main, contented with it; and nothing short of necessity can dissever them from their dear mountains.

From Recreations of Christopher North, Volume 2 by Wilson, John

And neither the artists in circles above, Or critics who view the débris, 52Can ever dissever the Nude from the Stairs, For both are so hobble-de-gee, So hobble-de-wobble-de-gee!

From The Re-echo Club by Wells, Carolyn