severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈsev-rən(t)s 

ˈse-və-

: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed

Examples of severance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As The Times reported in 2020, Ms. von Furstenberg had to lay off 60 percent of the corporate and retail staff in the U.S., Britain and France, and close 18 of her 19 U.S. stores — as employees were let go without severance and creditors howled. —Maureen Dowd, New York Times, 6 June 2024

In late October, West and his businesses fired Pisciotta — a reason was not disclosed in the lawsuit — and she was offered $3 million in severance. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 4 June 2024

Weisselberg’s severance agreement was signed by Trump’s son Eric. —Robert Faturechi, ProPublica, 3 June 2024

Worse, Kimberly-Clark set up the exits with an unusual requirement: To receive severance, those who were let go were required to continue working until May 1. —Lila MacLellan, Fortune, 28 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing severance

• severance package
• severance pay
• severance tax

Kids Definition

severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈsev-(ə-)rən(t)s 

: the act or process of severing : the state of being severed