sever
Americanverb (used with object)
-
to separate (a part) from the whole, as by cutting or the like.
-
to divide into parts, especially forcibly; cleave.
-
to break off or dissolve (ties, relations, etc.).
-
Law. to divide into parts; disunite (an estate, titles of a statute, etc.).
-
to distinguish; discriminate between.
verb (used without object)
verb
-
to put or be put apart; separate
-
to divide or be divided into parts
-
(tr) to break off or dissolve (a tie, relationship, etc)
Etymology
Origin of sever
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English severen, from Middle French sev(e)rer; separate
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Using a laser to precisely cut the actin band, Alison found that the band continued to move inward even after being severed.
From Science Daily
Treasury Department on Thursday said it’s proposing to sever a Swiss bank from the U.S. financial system over alleged illicit ties to Russia and Iran.
From MarketWatch
Germany shouldn’t sever ties with the country but it should substantially reduce its dependence on it, he said.
That designation is normally reserved for foreign actors like Huawei that would require the department to sever ties with the startup just a few months ahead of its expected IPO.
The 36-year-old added that surgeons have told him he was fortunate not to have severed any nerves or tendons but that he should gradually recover following further treatment.
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
