Showing results for "severed"

• past participle of sever.
• past tense form of sever.

severed

American  

[sev-erd] / ˈsɛv ərd /

adjective

1. separated from the whole or divided into parts, as by cutting or the like.

   The severed cables belonged to two internet companies.

2. (of ties or a relationship) broken off or dissolved.

   One of the greatest tragedies we see in our work is the severed relationships between those in need and their family and friends.

3. Law. (of an estate, titles of a statute, etc.) divided into parts.

   A practice known as severed property, or split estates, allows developers to keep or obtain mineral rights underneath privately owned land.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of sever.

Other Word Forms

• half-severed
  adjective
• unsevered
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of severed

sever ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Explanation

Something severed is cut off from its whole. A severed rope turns into two detached and individual pieces. In a severed relationship, people lose communication with one another. To be severed is to be separated completely. Think of a tree branch being cut away from its trunk, or a connection being broken between two friends. The word comes from the Latin separare, meaning "to separate or pull apart." The adjective can refer to physical objects, like ropes or limbs, or to relationships and ties, such as friendships or contracts.

Example Sentences

"We have not severed ties with South Africa, we are still engaging them at the highest level, we will sort those details using our usual diplomatic channels," he said.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2026

As CEO, van Raemdonck closed stores, cut staff, and severed some partnerships, The Wall Street Journal reported.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026

Two women dressed in green and pink fur cradle each other’s heads, reimagining medieval depictions of cephalophores — Christian martyrs who carry their severed heads while continuing to preach or pray.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 19, 2026

In the wake of that dispute, the Pentagon severed its contracts with the company, whose AI tools had been the only ones to hold defense security clearance.

From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026

The moment their connection was severed, they let out a scream so powerful it generated its own wind.

From "Hollow City" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

• busted
• collapsed
• cracked
• crumbled
• crushed
• damaged
• defective
• demolished
• destroyed
• fractured
• fragmented
• injured
• mangled
• mutilated
• ruptured
• shattered
• smashed
• splintered