sever
[sev-er]
- 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.
Show More
- to become separated from each other; become divided into parts.
Show More
Origin of sever
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for sever
Contemporary Examples
But the decision now to sever economic ties with the eastern regions was a surprise—and a gamble.
They [the regime] try to sever connections between those living outside and those based inside Iran.
It is unlikely that this ‘revolution’ in Kiev will sever a centuries-old bond.
A large coalition of Palestinian civil society groups is now calling on Oxfam to sever ties with her “immediately.”
Some people may simply find ways to sever their awkward ties that chafe.
Historical Examples
And do you think it will not cost me an effort to sever our friendship?
The Hunted OutlawAnonymous
If you sever a number of these cords, you alter the entire drape of the curtain.
The Mystery of Murray DavenportRobert Neilson Stephens
Elizabeth I have put away––death could not sever us more effectually.
A Singer from the SeaAmelia Edith Huddleston Barr
There must be continuity of this structure too, for to sever a nerve is to paralyze all beyond.
The Machinery of the UniverseAmos Emerson Dolbear
I am here to say this to you: here and now I sever our betrothal!
Pretty Madcap DorothyLaura Jean Libbey
sever
- to put or be put apart; separate
- to divide or be divided into parts
- (tr) to break off or dissolve (a tie, relationship, etc)
Show More
Word Origin
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
Word Origin and History for sever
v.
c.1300, from Anglo-French severer, Old French sevrer "to separate" (12c., later in French restricted to "to wean," i.e. "to separare from the mother"), from Vulgar Latin *seperare, from Latin separare "to separate" (see separate (v.)).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper