Definitions of sever
to end a connection with someone or something, especially because of a disagreement
North Korea is to sever all ties with its southern neighbour as tensions escalate over the sinking of a South Korean ship.
to end a joint tenancy (=a type of co-tenancy where if one of the joint tenants dies his or her share goes to the surviving joint tenant(s))
The defendant severed the joint tenancy and sought his half share.
to split a criminal trial into multiple trials to avoid any unfairness during the proceedings
Motion to Sever: In various circumstances, your attorney may wish to have your case separated from that of a co-defendant.