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 ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which has won three consecutive elections to stay in power since 2016, is at the forefront of efforts to accelerate the severance of its nation’s Chinese connection. —Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 13 Mar. 2026

Clase’s lawyers also requested severance from another co-defendant, Robinson Vasquez Germosen, who is accused of serving as a middleman between Clase and bettors in the Dominican Republic. —Zack Meisel, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026

Losing a job can be stressful but getting a severance check can soften the blow. —Andreina Rodriguez, CNBC, 6 Mar. 2026

The reform, which was approved Friday by Congress, grants employers greater flexibility in matters of hiring, firing, severance and collective bargaining and seeks to limit the historical power of unions. —ABC News, 2 Mar. 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