Definition of severance

The origin of the word "severance" can be traced back to the Old French word "severaunce," which itself derived from the Latin word "severīo," meaning "taking away" or "separation." The term "severance" initially referred to the act of separating or disconnecting something, usually in a physical or geographic sense. In medieval times, "severance" was often used in connection with land or property, such as when one person's property was separated from another's through legal means. Over time, the meaning of "severance" began to shift, particularly in the context of employment. In the 19th century, employers began offering "severance pay" to employees who were laid off or terminated, as a way of softening the financial impact of such a change. This use of the term has become increasingly common, and today, "severance" often refers to a package of termination benefits offered to employees as part of a layoff or downsizing. Thus, while the origins of "severance" are rooted in the concept of separation or division, its modern usage reflects the more positive and compassionate aims of modern employment practices.