Word: sever

Associations

Sever means to cut something off or separate it from something else. It often implies a strong or forceful action.

• Example 1: "The worker had to sever the cable to fix the machine." This means the worker cut the cable completely to repair it.
• Example 2: "They decided to sever their ties with the company." Here, it means ending a relationship or connection completely.
• Example 3: "The surgeon had to sever the damaged tissue." In this case, the surgeon cut off the damaged part for health reasons.

A well-known synonym for sever is "cut." However, "sever" often implies a more complete and intentional act of cutting or breaking apart, while "cut" can be used in a broader sense, like cutting a piece of paper.

Substitution

You can use other words or phrases like:

• "detach" – this suggests separating but not always in a forceful way.
• "divide" – this can imply separating into parts but doesn't always mean cutting.
• "break off" – this indicates stopping a relationship or connection but suggests a less violent action than sever.

Deconstruction

The word "sever" comes from the Latin root "severare," which means to separate or cut off.

• There are no prefixes or suffixes. The root "sever" has a strong history of implying a decisive or violent action in both physical and metaphorical forms.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you had to sever a relationship or connection? How did it feel?
• In what contexts do you think it might be more appropriate to use "detach" instead of "sever"?
• How would you explain the difference between severing something physically (like a rope) versus severing something emotionally (like a friendship)?