sever
sever Lexical Profile
sever Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To divide or cut off a part from a whole forcibly or cleanly.
"The construction crew accidentally severed the underground fiber-optic cable while digging the trench."
To put an abrupt and final end to a relationship, connection, or alliance.
"After years of unresolved disputes, the two nations decided to sever diplomatic ties."
To separate a legal claim, offense, or contract provision so that it can be tried or evaluated independently (in law).
"The defense attorney petitioned the court to sever the charges so each defendant could receive a separate trial."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse the verb 'sever' (to cut off or separate, pronounced SEV-er) with the adjective 'severe' (harsh, strict, or intense, pronounced suh-VEER).
• Rhymes for sever
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in Middle English from Anglo-French severer and Old French sevrer, from Vulgar Latin *seperare, an alteration of Classical Latin separare ('to pull apart, divide'), making it a linguistic doublet of 'separate'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.