sever

[sev-er]

verb (used with object)

1. to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.

2. to divide into parts, especially forcibly; cleave.

3. to break off or dissolve (ties, relations, etc.).

4. Law.,  to divide into parts; disunite (an estate, titles of a statute, etc.).

5. to distinguish; discriminate between.

verb (used without object)

1. to become separated from each other; become divided into parts.

sever

/ ˈsɛvə /

verb

1. to put or be put apart; separate

2. to divide or be divided into parts

3. (tr) to break off or dissolve (a tie, relationship, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English severen, from Middle French sev(e)rer; separate

Word History and Origins

Origin of sever¹

C14 severen, from Old French severer, from Latin sēparāre to _separate

Example Sentences

Besides landing on Taiwan's beaches or launching missile attacks, it could also stage air and sea blockades, or sever undersea communication cables.

From BBC

Ukraine has denied involvement in the blasts, which severed a key source of natural gas for Europe.

From BBC

But the motion said Rupert Murdoch himself signed off on the decision to sever Stirewalt and Sammon from the company in an effort to assuage angry viewers who defected.

From Los Angeles Times

"We will deepen the damage to the terror infrastructure above and below the ground and sever the population's dependence on Hamas."

From BBC

Meanwhile Godstone remains severed by the closure of the road, and some businesses have suffered big drops in passing trade.

From BBC

Related Words

• abandon 
• break off 
• dissolve 
• put an end to 
• separate 
• terminate