Amputating: meaning, definitions and examples

Used primarily in a medical context where a limb or part of the body is surgically removed. This term is technical and specific to situations involving a patient and a professional healthcare provider.

• The doctors are discussing the option of amputating his leg to stop the infection.
• Due to severe blood circulation problems, the decision was made to consider amputating the patient's foot.

Often used in both literal and figurative contexts. Literally, it refers to the physical act of removing a part from a whole. Figuratively, it can mean stopping or ending something abruptly.

• She cut off a piece of rope to tie the package.
• He decided to cut off ties with his former business partner.

A general term that can be used in various contexts, such as taking something away from a place, eliminating something unwanted, or in surgical contexts like removing an organ. It is more neutral and less graphic than 'amputating' or 'cutting off'.

• The mechanic is removing the old engine from the car.
• The dentist is removing a decayed tooth.

Has a more dramatic and formal tone, often used in contexts where something is cut forcefully or relationships are permanently ended. It can have a negative connotation.

• The accident resulted in severing the cables completely.
• After the argument, they ended up severing all communication.