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 Words From

• non·sever·ance 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

Before she left, Helen says she was given cash which, at the time, she thought was a normal severance procedure - now she thinks it was to keep her quiet.

From BBC

The company offered up to $15,000 to cover relocation expenses, or six months of severance pay for those who chose not to move.

From Los Angeles Times

"We are in the early stages of developing a proposed voluntary severance scheme and are awaiting a response from the trade unions to our invite to discuss," they said.

From BBC

A union said staff faced "stress" and "anxiety" and it comes as Bangor University wrote to its staff offering voluntary severance after a drop in student numbers.

From BBC

The issue of her severance pay and what’s understood as her ambition for the House of Lords are still hanging around.

From BBC