v. 25B6; verb
the head was severed from the body : CUT OFF, chop off, detach, disconnect, dissever, separate, part; amputate, dock; poetic/literary sunder.
a knife had severed the artery : CUT (THROUGH), rupture, split, pierce.
they severed diplomatic relations : BREAK OFF, discontinue, suspend, end, terminate, cease, dissolve.
join, maintain.