Sever
/ˈsɛvər/
verbB2
Definition
To sever something means to cut it so that it becomes separate or disconnected from the rest. This can be physical, like cutting a rope or a branch, or more abstract, like ending a relationship or connection completely.
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See It in Action
To physically cut something so it is separate
- •The chef severed the meat from the bone.
- •The storm severed the power lines, causing a blackout.
- •He severed the rope to escape from the trap.
To end or break a connection or relationship completely
- •They decided to sever all ties after the argument.
- •The company severed its contract with the supplier.
- •She severed communication with her old friends.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'sever' like 'cut,' but stronger and more complete—it is not just a small cut, but a full separation
- ✓Picture a rope being cut all the way through so the two parts fall apart and are no longer connected
- ✓It's the feeling when two friends stop talking and end their friendship completely
- ✓Sounds like 'SEV-er' → imagine a sharp 'sev' sound like scissors cutting through paper quickly and cleanly
- ✓Think of stories where a knight severs a dragon’s tail—cutting it off completely, not just hurting it
- ✓NOT like 'cut' (which can be small or partial), 'sever' means full and total separation
- ✓NOT like 'break' (which can mean damage but not always full separation), 'sever' means to make two parts completely separate
- ✓NOT like 'disconnect' (which can be temporary or electronic), 'sever' often means physical or permanent separation
Try Other Words
- •Disconnect: to separate or stop a connection (Use when talking about electronic or less physical separation)
- •Break: to damage or separate into parts (Use when the separation may not be clean or complete)
- •Detach: to remove or separate something from a larger whole (Use when something is taken away but not necessarily by cutting)
- •Split: to divide into parts (Use when dividing something into sections, not necessarily by cutting)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: Root 'sever' (no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'separare,' meaning to separate or divide
- •Historical development: Entered English in the late 14th century, originally meaning to separate or divide by cutting or other means
- •Modern usage: Used both for physical cutting (like cutting off a limb or rope) and abstract separation (ending relationships or contracts)
- •Key insight: Always implies a clear, complete separation, not a small or partial cut
Reflect & Connect
•How does the idea of severing help us understand endings in relationships or agreements?
•Can something be severed without physical cutting? What are examples in everyday life?
Fill in the blanks
1.The storm severed the ___ lines, leaving the whole town without electricity.
2.When two countries sever diplomatic relations, they ___ all official communication.
3.She severed the friendship because of ___ trust and respect.
4.To escape, the prisoner had to sever the ___ that held his hands.
5.Unlike a small cut, to sever means to ___ the connection completely.
6.The company severed its contract ___ the supplier after several problems.
7.If a branch is severed from a tree, it ___ from the main trunk and falls down.