Legal Briefs

verb to cut off or separate something, especially by force

• The surgeon carefully severed the damaged nerve during the operation.
• I accidentally severed the power cord while moving the furniture.
• He got into a fight and ended up getting his finger severed.
• The betrayal severed their friendship beyond repair.

noun a written account, report, or description

verb to put information into written form

• The journalist will write up a detailed report on the latest economic trends.
• I need to write up a summary of the meeting for my boss.
• I'll write up a quick review of the new movie for my blog.
• She decided to write up her feelings in a letter to her ex-boyfriend.