severed: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Technical
Quick answer
What does “severed” mean?
To have been cut or torn off completely, especially in a forceful or violent manner.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To have been cut or torn off completely, especially in a forceful or violent manner; to have been separated or ended.
Used to describe the complete termination of a connection, relationship, or bond, often abruptly and decisively.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The verb form 'sever' is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Similar strong connotations of violence, permanence, or finality in both dialects.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both formal and news contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “severed” in a Sentence
SUBJ + severed + OBJ (The surgeon severed the nerve.)SUBJ + be/get severed + (by/from) (The artery was severed in the accident.)SUBJ + severed + OBJ + from + OBJ (He severed all ties from his former colleagues.)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “severed” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The cable was severed by the falling tree.
- He formally severed his links with the organisation.
American English
- The storm severed the power line to the neighborhood.
- She decided to sever all ties with her former business partner.
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- The surgeons reattached the severed finger.
- Police discovered a severed gas main.
American English
- The hiker survived despite a severely severed artery.
- A severed relationship is hard to mend.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to describe the termination of contracts, partnerships, or supply lines (e.g., 'The company severed its agreement with the supplier.').
Academic
Found in medical, legal, and historical texts (e.g., 'The study examined nerve regeneration in severed axons.').
Everyday
Used for serious, often negative events (e.g., 'After the argument, they severed all contact.').
Technical
Common in medical surgery, engineering (e.g., cables, wires), and military contexts (e.g., 'The bomb severed the main power line.').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “severed”
- Using 'severed' for temporary cuts (e.g., 'I severed my finger slightly' – use 'cut').
- Confusing spelling: 'severed' vs. 'several'.
- Using it in overly casual contexts where 'cut off' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while often physical (limbs, cables), it is commonly used metaphorically for relationships, connections, and agreements.
'Severed' implies a complete, forceful, and often decisive separation, while 'cut' is more general and can be partial or minor.
Rarely. It usually describes a negative or violent separation, though ending a harmful relationship could be viewed positively ('severed ties with a toxic friend').
It's 'severed'. The verb 'sever' is regular (sever, severed, severed). 'Severeded' is incorrect.
To have been cut or torn off completely, especially in a forceful or violent manner.
Severed is usually formal, technical in register.
Severed: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛvəd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛvərd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sever the Gordian knot”
- “sever the umbilical cord”
- “a clean break (conceptually related)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a **SEVERE** injury—a **SEVERED** limb is the result of a severe cut.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONNECTION IS A BOND/CORD; ENDING A CONNECTION IS SEVERING/CUTTING THAT BOND.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'severed' LEAST appropriate?