sever

[ sev-er ]

/ ˈsɛv ər /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR sever ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object)

to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.

to divide into parts, especially forcibly; cleave.

to break off or dissolve (ties, relations, etc.).

Law. to divide into parts; disunite (an estate, titles of a statute, etc.).

to distinguish; discriminate between.

verb (used without object)

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

Nearby words

seventy-six, seventy-sixth, seventy-third, seventy-three, seventy-two, sever, severable, several, severalfold, severally, severalty

Origin of sever

1300–50; Middle English severen < Middle French sev(e)rer to separate

Related forms

half-sev·ered, adjectiveun·sev·ered, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for sever

But the decision now to sever economic ties with the eastern regions was a surprise—and a gamble.
Eastern Ukraine Braces for ‘Full-Scale War’|Jamie Dettmer|November 17, 2014|DAILY BEAST
They [the regime] try to sever connections between those living outside and those based inside Iran.
Iran Says Take Off the Veil—and Be Raped|IranWire|June 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
It is unlikely that this ‘revolution’ in Kiev will sever a centuries-old bond.
Is Kharkiv Ukraine’s Next Tipping Point?|Vijai Maheshwari|March 13, 2014|DAILY BEAST
A large coalition of Palestinian civil society groups is now calling on Oxfam to sever ties with her “immediately.”
Why Oxfam Should Drop Scarlett Johansson For Her Pro-SodaStream Stance|Ali Abunimah|January 29, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Some people may simply find ways to sever their awkward ties that chafe.
Income Inequality Within Families is Emerging as a Major Issue|Janna Malamud Smith|January 19, 2013|DAILY BEAST
But so it was, and Jasper Lamotte's interdict was not strong enough to sever the intimacy.
The Diamond Coterie|Lawrence L. Lynch
Our companionship continued for some months, and then my friend and myself had to sever our connection.
London's Underworld|Thomas Holmes
He continued with us year after year until a new position in Cleveland, Ohio, compelled him to sever relations with Chautauqua.
The Story of Chautauqua|Jesse Lyman Hurlbut
The bleeding Amine tottered to her seat, and longed for the hour which was to sever her from a Christian world.
The Phantom Ship|Frederick Marryat
Sever the backbone at the joint, and then you have all the root of the tail, together with the oil-gland, dissected from the body.
Wanderings in South America|Charles Waterton

British Dictionary definitions for sever

sever

/ (ˈsɛvə) /

verb

to put or be put apart; separate

to divide or be divided into parts

(tr) to break off or dissolve (a tie, relationship, etc)

Word Origin for sever

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012