sever
Americanverb (used with object)
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to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.
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to divide into parts, especially forcibly; cleave.
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to break off or dissolve (ties, relations, etc.).
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Law. to divide into parts; disunite (an estate, titles of a statute, etc.).
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to distinguish; discriminate between.
verb (used without object)
verb
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to put or be put apart; separate
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to divide or be divided into parts
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(tr) to break off or dissolve (a tie, relationship, etc)
Other Word Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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seversimple
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severssimple
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have severedperfect
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has severedperfect
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am severingprogressive
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are severingprogressive
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is severingprogressive
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have been severingperfect progressive
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has been severingperfect progressive
Past
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severedsimple
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had severedperfect
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was severingprogressive
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were severingprogressive
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had been severingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
Origin of sever
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English severen, from Middle French sev(e)rer; see separate
Explanation
To sever something is to cut it off from the whole. If your girlfriend breaks up with you on your anniversary, you might respond by severing the blossoms off the roses you were planning to give her. (Just an idea.) Sever rhymes with ever, but it looks like the word severe, which means "harsh." The similarity between sever and severe is a good reminder to reserve sever for harsh, unpleasant circumstances. If you’re trimming your fingernails, you might use the word clip, but sever wouldn’t be appropriate. If, however, you somehow cut off your finger while clipping your fingernails, you’re free to use the word sever — or any other word you like — on your way to the hospital.
Vocabulary lists containing sever
Unit 2: Pivotal Words and Phrases
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Beowulf vocabulary
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Beowulf: A New Telling
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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.
Now, however, it seems Quaid is ready to sever his remaining ties to California, putting his dwelling on the market for just over $1 million more than he paid for it nearly 10 years ago.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 7, 2026
In Alibaba's case, the company argues that this restriction creates a functional blockade, forcing its long-term American advisers to sever ties to protect their own lucrative defence contracts.
From BBC • Jun. 23, 2026
Then it actually made me sever myself from the character, and the character became its own thing that she brought to life.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 18, 2026
Although China's ability to sever undersea communications cables, cyber attacks and interdicting maritime trade are the primary risk for Australia, "the direct strike threat is real and growing", the report said.
From Barron's • Jun. 14, 2026
I take a deep breath, then sever the Link between us.
From "Warcross" by Marie Lu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
