v. 1 tr. & intr. (often foll. by from) divide, break, or make separate, esp. by cutting. 2 tr. & intr. break off or away; separate, part, divide (severed our friendship). 3 tr. end the employment contract of (a person). severable adj.
[ ME f. AF severer, OF sevrer ult. f. L separare SEPARATE v. ]