Cutting or breaking something apart, either physically or in a relationship or connection.
From Latin 'separ-' meaning 'separate'. The word evolved through Old French 'sevrer' into Middle English, maintaining its meaning of separating or dividing.
Interestingly, 'severe' (meaning strict) comes from the same root—because when you 'sever' connections with someone, you're being strictly separate from them. Language-wise, one action describes both the cut and the emotional distance!
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