severed; severing
ˈse-və-riŋ 
ˈsev-riŋ
: to put or keep apart : divide
especially
: to remove (something, such as a part) by or as if by cutting
: to become separated
Synonyms
Examples of sever in a Sentence
He severed the lowest tree limbs.
His finger was severed in the accident.
Activists are asking the government to sever all diplomatic relations with the country.
Recent Examples on the Web
In one case, a mother shared how her daughter severed all ties after a disagreement over wedding logistics.
—
Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
In 2017, Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan to establish relations with China.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Bores wrote in his 1590 chapbook a year later that Stumpp’s head was also severed from his body and placed upon a stake, providing a gruesome warning to the community.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
In any such offensive, China’s plans would almost certainly include attacks on Taiwan’s digital infrastructure, scenarios that Beijing has already tested by launching cyberattacks and severing Internet cables.
—Matt Kaplan, Foreign Affairs, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sever 
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Kristan Hawkins, Newsweek, 7 Feb. 2025
In 2017, Panama severed diplomatic ties with Taiwan to establish relations with China.
—Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 3 Feb. 2025
Bores wrote in his 1590 chapbook a year later that Stumpp’s head was also severed from his body and placed upon a stake, providing a gruesome warning to the community.
—Sean Neumann, People.com, 1 Feb. 2025
In any such offensive, China’s plans would almost certainly include attacks on Taiwan’s digital infrastructure, scenarios that Beijing has already tested by launching cyberattacks and severing Internet cables.
—Matt Kaplan, Foreign Affairs, 31 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for sever
Dictionary Entries Near sever
Cite this Entry
“Sever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sever. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
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Legal Definition
sever
transitive verb
sev·er
ˈse-vər
severed; severing
1
: to end (a joint tenancy) by ending one or all of the unities of time, title, possession, or interest (as by conveying one tenant's interest to another party)
2
: to separate (as a contract) into different parts (as independent obligations) in order to treat each separately
3
a
: to try (criminal offenses or defendants) separately in order to avoid prejudice
b
: to split (a criminal trial) into multiple trials in order to avoid prejudice
c
: to try (civil claims or issues pleaded in the same case) separately
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