Severing: meaning, definitions and examples

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severing

 

[ˈsɛvərɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

cutting

Severing is the act of cutting or separating something into two or more pieces.

Synonyms

cutting, dividing, splitting.

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Word Description / Examples
severing

Severing is often used when talking about ending connections or relationships abruptly. It's a strong word and can have a dramatic or intense connotation.

  • The company is severing ties with its supplier.
  • Severing the rope, he freed the boat.
cutting

Cutting is a general term that can be used in many contexts, such as physically dividing something with a sharp tool, reducing something in size or amount, or making a remark that is sharp and possibly hurtful.

  • She is cutting the vegetables for dinner.
  • The government is cutting public spending.
  • His words were cutting and deeply offended her.
dividing

Dividing is used when separating something into parts or sections. It can be both literal, like dividing a cake, or metaphorical, like dividing opinions.

  • The teacher is dividing the class into groups for the project.
  • There is a thin line dividing right from wrong.
splitting

Splitting is used when breaking or dividing something into parts, often implying a forceful and sometimes sudden action. It can also refer to strong disagreement between people.

  • They are splitting the logs for firewood.
  • The debate is splitting the community into two opposing sides.

Examples of usage

  • The butcher was severing the meat into smaller portions.
  • The surgeon carefully severed the connection between the two organs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'separare', meaning 'to separate', which evolved into Middle English as 'severen'.
  • In Old French, the word 'sevrer' meant 'to separate or part', indicating its long history of describing division.
  • The use of the term in legal contexts dates back centuries, often associated with the separation of properties or rights.

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's works, the act of severing is often tied to themes of conflict, betrayal, and the end of relationships.
  • Mary Shelley’s 'Frankenstein' explores the emotional severing between creator and creature, symbolizing profound abandonment.
  • In modern literature, the act of severing connections often signifies loss or the journey towards self-discovery.

Psychology

  • Severing ties can be a coping mechanism; cutting off toxic relationships may lead to healthier mental well-being.
  • Studies in attachment theory highlight that the process of severing emotional bonds can evoke complex feelings of grief and relief.
  • Neuroscientific research indicates that the brain processes the emotional pain of severing connections similarly to physical pain.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, severing is often depicted dramatically, like in action films where heroes cut the cables to prevent disasters.
  • TV shows often use the idea of severing relationships to create conflict, as the characters face the repercussions of their decisions.
  • In anime, severing ties with friends or family can signify character growth, leading to powerful, emotional storytelling.

Science

  • In biology, severing can refer to the cutting of nerves, which scientists study to learn about regrowth and healing.
  • The process of severing cellular connections can help researchers understand disease mechanisms and therapies.
  • In environmental science, severing invasive plant species from ecosystems is crucial for preserving biodiversity.

Translations

Translations of the word "severing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 corte

🇮🇳 काटना

🇩🇪 Trennung

🇮🇩 pemutusan

🇺🇦 розрив

🇵🇱 odcięcie

🇯🇵 切断

🇫🇷 coupure

🇪🇸 corte

🇹🇷 kesme

🇰🇷 절단

🇸🇦 قطع

🇨🇿 odříznutí

🇸🇰 prerušenie

🇨🇳 切断

🇸🇮 prekinitev

🇮🇸 klipping

🇰🇿 кесу

🇬🇪 გაწყვეტა

🇦🇿 kəsmə

🇲🇽 corte

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,405, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.