sever
/ˈsɛv.ɚ/
Group 10Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (verb)
- To divide by cutting or slicing; to put an end to a connection or relationship GRE
Example in Context
The company severed ties with the supplier after an investigation revealed systematic labor violations at its overseas factories.
Synonyms
cut offbreakseparate
Etymology
To cut apart or divide something completely.
- severare (Latin) — to cut off
Memory Aid
✂️Sounds like “severed”
When you SEVER a friendship, it feels like you’re CUTTING the cake without any knife!
Visual Association
🔪A dramatic scene of a wizard dramatically severing a rope with a spell, dividing two worlds.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “sever” mean on the GRE?
sever (verb) means “To divide by cutting or slicing; to put an end to a connection or relationship”. The company severed ties with the supplier after an investigation revealed systematic labor violations at its overseas factories.
How to remember “sever” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “sever” sounds like “severed”. When you SEVER a friendship, it feels like you’re CUTTING the cake without any knife!
What are synonyms for “sever”?
Common synonyms: cut off, break, separate.