Severance refers to the act or process of severing, which means to separate or divide into two or more parts. In a workplace context, it often refers to the payment made to an employee who is being laid off or terminated from their job. This payment typically includes compensation for any unused vacation time, bonuses, and other benefits that the employee may be entitled to. The amount of severance pay can vary depending on the company's policies, the employee's length of service, and other factors.