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).
Derivatives:
severable adj.
Etymology: ME f. AF severer, OF sevrer ult. f. L separare SEPARATE v.