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

The war raised global prices and severed U.S. manufacturers’ access to aluminum in the Persian Gulf region.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

A number of charities have already severed their links with Ferguson after an email from 2011 revealed she called Epstein her "supreme friend" and seemed to apologise for her public criticism of him.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Not only did it damage the family brand in his view, it severed a bond of trust between the brothers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 11, 2026

The company has since said that it has severed ties with both agencies, and responded to other concerns by giving communities more power to decide whom to grant access to state or nationwide lookup networks.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 1, 2026

I draw a row of paper dolls severed in the middle and two friends promising to someday put them back together again.

From "Starfish" by Akemi Dawn Bowman

Related Words

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