English Reference
adjective · verb

severed

adj. · v.
US /ˈsɛvɝd/ UK /sˈɛvəd/ sev·ered

  1. 01 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    Surgeons worked for twelve hours to reattach the worker's severed finger after the industrial accident.

  2. 02 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

    The embassy remained empty as a symbol of the severed diplomatic relations between the two warring nations.

  3. 03 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.

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    cutsplitcleaved

Usage severed pig's

Severed pig heads have been attached to the walls of mosques by far-right groups.

The Guardian· 1 Aug 2026
This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated