dissever

American  

[dih-sev-er] / dɪˈsɛv ər /

verb (used with object)

1. to sever; separate.

2. to divide into parts.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to part; separate.

dissever British  

/ dɪˈsɛvə /

verb

1. to break off or become broken off

2. (tr) to divide up into parts

---

Other Word Forms

• disseverance noun
• disseveration noun
• disseverment noun
• undissevered adjective

Etymology

Origin of dissever

1250–1300; Middle English des ( s ) everen < Old French dessevrer < Late Latin dissēparāre, equivalent to Latin dis- dis- ¹ + sēparāre to separate

Explanation

To dissever is to separate or divide something. If you spend too much time staring at screens, you might want to dissever yourself from technology and go camping this weekend. These days, the verb dissever is considered old-fashioned or primarily literary — you're more likely to use words like sever or detach. It can be useful if you need a more poetic way to talk about dividing things, though: "Don't go to Maine for the summer; I can't bear to dissever my heart from yours!" Dissever comes from a Latin root, separare, "to pull apart."

Example Sentences

You can dissever none of these facts one from the other, and we now approach the “one man principle.”

From The Arena Volume 4, No. 21, August, 1891 by Various

Its reign is almost over; its powers to dissever and destroy are now being rapidly eliminated from a Constitution whose basic meaning is justice, equality, and love.

From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 4, No. 5, November, 1863 by Various

"I would prefer to dissever all connection with the Bridge at the same time; but am willing to remain at the office until you find a suitable person for the post."

From The Making of a Soul by Rhodes, Kathlyn

His throne shall become a seat of heavenly glory His worthy sceptre from right will not dissever, His happy kingdom, of faith shall perish never.

From "Everyman," with other interludes, including eight miracle plays by Rhys, Ernest

Oh how shall I, not knowing where thou art, Be all myself—thou dost dissever me.

From The International Monthly Magazine, Volume 5, No. 1, January, 1852 by Various