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

Some China-skeptical lawmakers want a complete ban or severance from ByteDance, and MGX’s involvement could further fuel concerns over foreign influence. —J.d. Capelouto, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025

In every case, the cities paid their former officials a severance — usually six months to a year of salary plus health insurance, as is routinely stipulated in top city worker contracts. —Michael Slaten, Oc Register, 14 Sep. 2025

Some accepted severance and began new chapters. —Marie Quintana, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

That relates to a near-equal split across both severance costs and asset write-downs from the termination of early stage R & D assets and the closure of some manufacturing sites. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 10 Sep. 2025

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