severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈse-və-rən(t)s 

ˈsev-rən(t)s

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

Examples of severance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The severance procedure is controversial, and an underground movement of activists, called the Whole Mind Collective, actively tries to outlaw the procedure. — Jordana Rosenfeld, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 Sep. 2026

These questions should be answered before a major restructuring, not after severance decisions have been made. — Kevin Chan, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Meg Scheding learned from an attorney friend to negotiate her severance agreement after she was laid off in 2018 months after giving birth. — Jennifer Liu, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026

Kavanagh further claims she is owed £755,752 ($1 million) in severance payments. — Jake Kanter, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing severance

• severance package
• severance pay
• severance tax

Rhymes for severance

• reverence
• irreverence

Kids Definition

severance

noun

sev·​er·​ance ˈsev-(ə-)rən(t)s 

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