mindmap root((分开)) separate may imply any of several causes such as dispersion, removal of one from others, or presence of an interfering thing: ~d her personal life from her career. part implies the separating of things or persons from close union or association: an argument that ~ed the friends permanently. divide implies a separating into pieces, groups, or sections by cutting, breaking, or branching: civil war ~d the nation. sever implies violence especially in the removal of a part or member: his arm had been ~ed by a chain saw. sunder suggests a violent rending or wrenching apart: a friendship ~ed only by death. divorce implies a separating of two things that commonly interact or belong together: would ~ scientific research from moral responsibility.