1. To split off or become removed or divided from some mixture or group. You need to drizzle the oil in very slowly while whisking, or else it will separate out of the egg yolk mixture. There has been a huge debate over exactly how the country should or even can separate out of the customs union.

2. To cause something to become split off, removed, or divided from some mixture or group. Refrigeration tends to separate the fats out of soups and stews. You cannot separate individual elements out of the constitution that happen to support your argument and choose to ignore the rest!