Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1300-1400
Language: Old French
Origin: severer, from Latin separare; SEPARATE2

sever

 verb
     
sev‧er formal
1 [intransitive and transitive] to cut through something completely, separating it into two parts, or to become cut in this way:
Martin's hand was severed in the accident.
a severed rope
2 [transitive] to end a relationship with someone, or a connection with something, especially because of a disagreement
sever ties/relations/connections/links etc (with/between somebody)
The two countries severed diplomatic relations.
She had severed all contact with her ex-husband.
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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