sever

American  

[sev-er] / ˈsɛv ər /

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.

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verb (used without object)

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

sever British  

/ 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)

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Etymology

Origin of sever

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

Example Sentences

That designation is normally reserved for foreign actors like Huawei that would require the department to sever ties with the startup just a few months ahead of its expected IPO.

From The Wall Street Journal

The 36-year-old added that surgeons have told him he was fortunate not to have severed any nerves or tendons but that he should gradually recover following further treatment.

From BBC

Neurites include axons, which are often severed in spinal cord injuries.

From Science Daily

If Anthropic was put on the supply-chain-risk list, it would force other companies that do business with the Pentagon to sever their Anthropic relationship too.

From MarketWatch

Through the cockpit, the city glowed on the horizon, a strip of twinkling lights severing the night sky from the dark Potomac river.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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