sever
verb (used with object)
to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.
had severed
-
past perfectof sever.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But then in 2024, The Daily Wire announced it had severed ties with Owens.
From Salon ● Aug. 26, 2026
The Pennsylvanischer Staatsbote probably learned that the Continental Congress had severed ties with Great Britain from a source in the shop of John Dunlap, who had a contract to print the body’s resolutions.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 3, 2026
In March 2023, his government agree to a surprise rapprochement with Iran's bitter rival, regional Sunni power Saudi Arabia, seven years after they had severed diplomatic relations.
From BBC ● May 19, 2024
The crash at about 8 p.m. on April 18 had severed a utility pole.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 25, 2024
There were two from each bait he had severed and the two from the bait the fish had taken and they were all connected.
From "The Old Man and The Sea" by Ernest Hemingway
