1. to end or break a relationship, connection, or association with someone or something
After years of conflict, they decided to sever ties with their business partner.
Após anos de conflito, eles decidiram cortar laços com seu sócio comercial.
2. to formally discontinue diplomatic or political relations
The country threatened to sever ties with its neighboring nation.
O país ameaçou cortar laços com a nação vizinha.