Etymology Map
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Sever

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to cut off

Where does the word "sever" come from? It comes from Latin separare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
separare
Latin · ancient
"to separate"
the root of 'separate'
2
Stage 2 of 3
sevrer
Old French · medieval
"to separate"
French 'sevrer' now means to wean
3
Stage 3 of 3
sever
English · 1300s
"to separate"
'severance pay' dates from the 1900s
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Read the full story

Sever’s story begins in Latin: separare meant “to separate.” The root of 'separate'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as sevrer. French 'sevrer' now means to wean. It reached English by 1300s as sever. 'severance pay' dates from the 1900s. Today, sever means to cut off.