‘断绝’ is a compound verb meaning 'to sever' or 'to cut off'—typically used for relationships, communication, support, or connections that are deliberately and completely ended. The character 断 (duàn) means 'to break' or 'to interrupt', while 绝 (jué) means 'to exhaust', 'to terminate', or 'to cut off entirely'. Together, they emphasize finality and irrevocability—not just pausing, but ending something permanently.

This word carries strong emotional weight and formal tone, often appearing in serious contexts: ending family ties, terminating diplomatic relations, cutting off financial aid, or abandoning harmful habits. It’s rarely used for casual or temporary separations—those would use milder terms like ‘暂停’ (pause) or ‘中断’ (interrupt). ‘断绝’ implies intention, gravity, and often emotional distance or moral judgment, making it common in literature, news reports, and official statements.