sever

[sev-er]

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.

verb (used without object)

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

sever

/ 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)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

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

Example Sentences

Identity is very much fluid at this historical juncture, when a man’s severed leg turns up in the belly of a dead shark and no one can identify it.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Treasury has said it would assess whether potential transactions fully sever Lukoil’s relationship with the assets, and if the Russian company would receive a windfall.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In the Pacific region alone, the Solomon Islands, Kiribati, and Nauru have severed their diplomatic ties with it and switched to Beijing since 2019.

Read more on BBC

"We were besieged inside our house and couldn't leave," she recalls, describing how power, water and internet connections were all severed.

Read more on BBC

Since he was trapped in the Upside Down during Season 1, Will hasn’t been able to sever his tie to the dimension.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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