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verb

sever

SEHV-uh
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 notes

In plain EnglishTo cut apart or completely break off a connection.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
sever ties sever a limb sever a connection

Word Forms

severed past tense, severs singular

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Fill the Gap

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The accident _____ the power line.

Etymology

From Old French sevrer, from Latin separare ("to separate"); a doublet of "separate."

Related Words

Rhymes for sever

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial