ENGLISH
REFERENCE

severed

adj. · v.
US //ˈsɛvɝd// UK //sˈɛvəd// sev·ered
  1. 1 physically cut off (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    completely cut off or separated from the main part.

    physically detached or separated by cutting; often used in medical or forensic contexts regarding limbs or cables.

    Example

    The storm left several severed power lines lying across the road.

    Example

    Surgeons worked for twelve hours to reattach the worker's severed finger after the industrial accident.
  2. 2 ended or broken (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    ended or broken, especially a relationship or a connection.

    metaphorically disconnected or terminated; typically applied to diplomatic ties, social relationships, or communication channels.

    Example

    After the argument, they lived with severed ties for many years.

    Example

    The embassy remained empty as a symbol of the severed diplomatic relations between the two warring nations.
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  1. 3 past action of cutting (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the past tense of 'sever', meaning to have cut something through completely.

    past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'sever', indicating the completed action of dividing or separating by cutting.

    Example

    He severed the rope with a sharp knife to free the boat.

    Example

    The sudden tension in the cable eventually severed the connection, sending the heavy equipment crashing to the deck.

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