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

These include memos aimed at expanding employee rights of college athletes and sharply narrowing the legality of noncompete and nondisparagement clauses in employee contracts and severance agreements.

From Los Angeles Times

Scandalously, some of the American workers were required as conditions of their severance to train the newcomers to do their jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

The severance of the 51-year-old's links with the team he made one of the most successful in the sport was confirmed on Monday.

From BBC

Christian Horner has formally left Red Bull after agreeing a severance deal following his sacking as team principal in July.

From BBC

The remaining 170 roles had been voluntary severance, the university said.

From BBC