Synonyms

sever

American

[sev-er] / ˈsɛv ər /

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.

sever British

/ 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)

"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

Etymology

Origin of sever

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

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.

They represent pure profit, meaning some clubs choose to sever that connection and cash in.

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

“We find the lack of definitive action to immediately sever ties with Wally Liaw … as concerning,” Chokshi wrote.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Aoun said "targeting bridges over the Litani River... is an attempt to sever the geographical link between the area south of the Litani and the rest of Lebanon's territory".

From Barron's • Mar. 22, 2026

Kikuo and Shunsuke complement one another as performers but a shocking turn of events will sever their bond.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

He listened. ... oh hast thou forgotten how soon we must sever?

From "The Killer Angels: The Classic Novel of the Civil War" by Michael Shaara

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023