/ ˈsevə(r); NAmE / verb [ vn ] ( formal )
1.
sever sth (from sth) to cut sth into two pieces; to cut sth off sth :
to sever a rope
a severed artery
His hand was severed from his arm.
2.
to completely end a relationship or all communication with sb
SYN break off :
The two countries have severed all diplomatic links .
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Anglo-Norman French severer , from Latin separare separate, divide.