severance

[sev-er-uhns, sev-ruhns]

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.

severance

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• nonseverance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of severance¹

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

Example Sentences

The new charges include the separation of the Curry Brand, further contract terminations and additional employee severance and benefits costs, the company said.

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“If you want to leave service in the near future, please do not hesitate to do so, with NO payment or severance of any kind.”

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Under the terms of his 12-month severance package from when he was sacked last December, O'Neil is still being paid by the club.

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The company said it incurred a net loss of $235 million due to severance and other transaction costs related to its acquisition of Hess.

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Such programs typically attempt to entice employees to retire by offering them a severance package.

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