sever
What does "sever" mean?
To sever means to cut something off completely, often separating two things that were once joined. Think of a thick rope being sliced through with a sharp blade, or a physical connection being broken so decisively that the two parts can no longer function together. In a figurative sense, it is frequently used to describe the ending of relationships, ties, or communications. While "cut" or "break" might be used for everyday objects, "sever" carries a more permanent and final weight, often implying a deliberate or drastic action.
"sever" in conversation
Ending a business partnership
I think it's time we sever ties with the supplier.
I think it's time we sever ties with the supplier.
Agreed, their quality has dropped significantly lately.
Agreed, their quality has dropped significantly lately.
Used here to indicate a complete termination of a professional relationship.
Discussing a sudden accident
The impact was strong enough to sever the power line.
The impact was strong enough to sever the power line.
That explains why the whole neighborhood went dark.
That explains why the whole neighborhood went dark.
Describes a physical separation caused by a forceful event.
"sever" in a sentence
The gardener used shears to sever the overgrown vine.
The gardener used shears to sever the overgrown vine.
They decided to sever all diplomatic relations with the neighboring country.
They decided to sever all diplomatic relations with the neighboring country.
The sudden resignation served to sever the last remaining link between the board and the founder.
The sudden resignation served to sever the last remaining link between the board and the founder.
