View synonyms for severance

severance

[ sev-er-uhns, sev-ruhns ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

the act of severing or the state of being severed.
a breaking off, as of a friendship.
Law. a division into parts, as of liabilities or provisions; removal of a part from the whole.
severance pay.

severance

/ ˈsɛvərəns /

noun

the act of severing or state of being severed
a separation
law the division into separate parts of a joint estate, contract, etc

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Other Words From

non·sever·ance noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of severance¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English severaunce, from Anglo-French; equivalent to sever + -ance

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Example Sentences

The university said it was "carefully managing staff vacancies and offering a voluntary severance scheme to help avoid the need for compulsory redundancies".

From BBC

The organization “was fully meeting its contractual obligations to the voters by offering the severance,” the statement said.

From Los Angeles Times

RTO mandates can also be a strategic way for companies to reduce staff without layoffs or severance.

From Salon

The spokesman also said Reeves left in 2009 "on good terms and received a severance payment, including her full notice pay and bonus".

From BBC

The email offered current federal employees the option of around eight months of severance pay, in exchange for an immediate resignation.

From Salon

severalty severance pay

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