sever

[sev-er]

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.

verb (used without object)

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

sever

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

C14 severen, from Old French severer, from Latin sēparāre to _separate

Example Sentences

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

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

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Since he was trapped in the Upside Down during Season 1, Will hasn’t been able to sever his tie to the dimension.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

One of the rounds severed Carrillo’s spine, leaving him permanently paralyzed.

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The deadly incident was massively disruptive to the major US shipping Port of Baltimore while it was closed, and severed part of a major interstate roadway.

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Related Words

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