severance

American  

[sev-er-uhns, sev-ruhns] / ˈsɛv ər əns, ˈsɛv rəns /

noun

1. the act of severing or the state of being severed.

2. a breaking off, as of a friendship.

3. Law. a division into parts, as of liabilities or provisions; removal of a part from the whole.

4. severance pay.

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severance British  

/ ˈsɛvərəns /

noun

1. the act of severing or state of being severed

2. a separation

3. law the division into separate parts of a joint estate, contract, etc

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Other Word Forms

• nonseverance noun

Etymology

Origin of severance

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English severaunce, from Anglo-French; equivalent to sever + -ance

Example Sentences

The files also suggest Mandelson explored the possibility of a severance payment of more than £500,000 after he was sacked, although the BBC understands he takes issue with this claim.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

The documents suggest that Lord Mandelson requested a severance payment of more than £500,000 after being sacked as the UK's ambassador to the US.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

It accused Nexstar of pushing “to gut severance pay and insert onerous provisions into the union contract that limit workers’ ability to freely negotiate the terms of their own employment.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

The company said the plan would cost it $450 million to $500 million in expenses and severance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

To symbolize the complete severance from his previous life, he even adopted a new name.

From "Into the Wild" by Jon Krakauer