sev·er·ance 
/ˈsɛvərəns/ noun
/ˈsɛvərəns/ noun [singular] formal 1 : the act of ending someone's employment
▪ a severance of employment — usually used before another noun ▪ severance pay [=money given to someone who has been fired or laid off from a job] ▪ She received a good severance package [=money and other benefits given when employment is ended] when she was laid off. 2 : the act of ending a relationship, connection, etc. — usually + of ▪ a severance of diplomatic relations
▪ a severance of employment — usually used before another noun ▪ severance pay [=money given to someone who has been fired or laid off from a job] ▪ She received a good severance package [=money and other benefits given when employment is ended] when she was laid off.
