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Synonyms
separate, part, divide, sever, sunder, divorce mean to become or cause to become disunited or disjointed.
separate may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an intervening thing.
part implies the separating of things or persons in close union or association.
divide implies separating into pieces or sections by cutting or breaking.
sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member.
sunder suggests violent rending or wrenching apart.
divorce implies separating two things that commonly interact and belong together.
Examples of sever in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sever.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Middle English, from Anglo-French severer, from Latin separare — more at separate
14th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense
Dictionary Entries Near sever
Cite this Entry
“Sever.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sever. Accessed 20 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
Legal Definition
sever
transitive verbMore from Merriam-Webster on sever
Nglish: Translation of sever for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of sever for Arabic Speakers
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