formal
1
: the act of ending someone's employment
a severance of employment
—usually used before another nounseverance pay [=money given to someone who has been fired or laid off from a job]
She received a good severance package [=money and other benefits given when employment is ended] when she was laid off.
2
: the act of ending a relationship, connection, etc.
—usually + of
a severance of diplomatic relations
Cite this Entry
“Severance.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/severance. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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