severed

Severed is the past participle of sever, a verb meaning to cut off or detach something from a larger whole. It can describe physical separation—such as a severed finger, a severed cable, or a severed branch—as well as metaphorical or relational disjunction, for example severed ties or severed diplomatic relations. The term conveys a sense of complete detachment.

Etymology: Sever derives from Old French severer, ultimately from Latin separare “to separate.” The form severed is produced by adding the English past tense and participle suffix -ed to the verb.

Usage and context: In medical, forensic, or engineering contexts, severed describes components that have been detached from a body or system. In everyday language, it is commonly used in idioms about relationships, politics, or communications. The word does not itself imply purpose or intent; it simply indicates that some part has been cut off or separated.

See also: sever, severance, separation.