verb
Uncommon
sever
SEHV-uh
Sever (verb) means to cut off or separate something completely, often abruptly. Example: “The accident severed the power line.”
verb
1
To cut off or separate something completely, often abruptly.
"The accident severed the power line."
"She severed all ties with her old business partners."
How to use sever
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo cut apart or completely break off a connection.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
sever ties
sever a limb
sever a connection
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- severs
- Past tense
- severed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The accident _____ the power line.
Etymology
From Old French sevrer, from Latin separare ("to separate"); a doublet of "separate."
Related words
Rhymes for sever
See all rhymes for sever →Frequently asked questions
What does “sever” mean?
The word “sever” means to cut off or separate something completely, often abruptly. In plain terms, to cut apart or completely break off a connection.
How do you pronounce “sever”?
“Sever” is pronounced SEHV-uh (/ˈsɛv.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “sever” in a sentence?
Here is “sever” used in a sentence: “The accident severed the power line.”
What is another word for “sever”?
Words with a similar meaning to “sever” include becut and cut off.
What part of speech is “sever”?
“Sever” is a verb.
Where does the word “sever” come from?
The word “sever” comes from Latin. From Old French sevrer, from Latin separare ("to separate"); a doublet of "separate.".
Is “sever” a common word?
“Sever” is an uncommon word in modern English.
