Word
severed
Phoneticssev·ered, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈsɛvɝd/
UK/sˈɛvəd/
Definitions
01physically cut off
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. completely cut off or separated from the main part.
adj. physically detached or separated by cutting; often used in medical or forensic contexts regarding limbs or cables.
“The storm left several severed power lines lying across the road.”
“Surgeons worked for twelve hours to reattach the worker's severed finger after the industrial accident.”
02ended or broken
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. ended or broken, especially a relationship or a connection.
adj. metaphorically disconnected or terminated; typically applied to diplomatic ties, social relationships, or communication channels.
“After the argument, they lived with severed ties for many years.”
“The embassy remained empty as a symbol of the severed diplomatic relations between the two warring nations.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03past action of cutting
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. the past tense of 'sever', meaning to have cut something through completely.
v. past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'sever', indicating the completed action of dividing or separating by cutting.
“He severed the rope with a sharp knife to free the boat.”
“The sudden tension in the cable eventually severed the connection, sending the heavy equipment crashing to the deck.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “severed” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Members of his family severed contact with him at the time.” “Severed pig heads have been attached to the walls of mosques by far-right groups.” - Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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