Sever /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Severed; p. pr. & vb. n. Severing

1. To separate, as one from another; to cut off from something; to divide; to part in any way, especially by violence, as by cutting, rending, etc.; as, to sever the head from the body.

   The angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.

2. To cut or break open or apart; to divide into parts; to cut through; to disjoin; as, to sever the arm or leg.

   Our state can not be severed; we are one.

3. To keep distinct or apart; to except; to exempt.

   I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there.

4. To disunite; to disconnect; to terminate; as, to sever an estate in joint tenancy. (Law)

1. To suffer disjunction; to be parted, or rent asunder; to be separated; to part; to separate.
2. To make a separation or distinction; to distinguish.

   The Lord shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt.

   They claimed the right of severing in their challenge.