severance
UK: ˈsɛv(ə)rəns | US: ˈsɛvərəns
n. the act of ending a connection or relationship
n. the state of being separated or cut off
n. (law) the termination of employment, often involving compensation
severance = sever<to cut> + ance<noun suffix>
- sever: From Latin separare (to separate), via Old French sevrer (to cut off). Retains the core meaning of division or disconnection.
- ance: A noun-forming suffix from Latin -antia, indicating a state or action (e.g., "importance," "resistance").
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin separare, which split into Old French sevrer (to cut off) and later Middle English severen. The suffix -ance was added to nominalize the action, reflecting the legal and relational contexts of formal separation. The logic mirrors physical cutting (e.g., severing a rope) extended metaphorically to abstract divisions (e.g., employment termination).
The severance package included six months' salary.
Emotional severance from toxic relationships is necessary for growth.
The contract outlined terms for severance in case of early termination.
The civil war led to the severance of diplomatic ties.
His abrupt departure felt like a severance from the team’s shared goals.