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

By determining the audience for each piece of content that’s posted, platforms “sever the direct relationship between speakers and their audiences”, argue Professors Riemer and Peter.

From BBC

North Korea will sever road and railway access to South Korea from Wednesday in a bid to “completely separate” the two countries.

From BBC

“History has shown that Amazon is willing to simply sever the contracts of delivery companies whose workers do agree to unionize, so the Teamsters are figuring this is their best shot at making some cracks at Amazon,” Rosenfeld said.

From Los Angeles Times

As NPR noted, “It’s also a reminder that while the demilitarized zone divides the north and south, it did not sever centuries’ worth of Koreans’ shared family ties and culture.”

From Salon

Ukraine's foreign ministry has not yet commented on Niger's decision to sever diplomatic ties.

From BBC

Related Words

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