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Noun: severance  se-v(u-)run(t)s
  1. A personal or social separation (as between opposing factions)
    "they hoped to avoid a severance in relations";
    - rupture, breach, break, rift, falling out
     
  2. The act of severing
    "The severance of diplomatic ties was a drastic measure";
    - severing
     
  3. The termination of someone's employment (leaving them free to depart)
    "His sudden severance came as a shock to the department";
    - dismissal, dismission [rare], discharge, firing, release, sack, sacking, heave-ho [informal], the axe [informal], the boot [informal], the chop [Brit, informal], chuck [Brit, informal], termination [N. Amer]
     
  4. A payment to compensate an employee when they leave employment before retirement
    "He received a generous severance package after the company downsized"

Derived forms: severances

Type of: breakup, conclusion, cut, cutting, detachment, ending, separation, termination

Encyclopedia: Severance, Frank