adjective severer -·ver′er, severest -·ver′·est

1. harsh, strict, or highly critical, as in treatment; unsparing; stern
2. serious or grave; forbidding, as in expression or manner
3. serious or grievous a severe wound
4. conforming strictly to a rule, method, standard, etc.; rigidly accurate or demanding a severe philosophy
5. extremely plain or simple; unornamented; restrained a dress with severe lines
6. keen; extreme; intense severe pain
7. difficult; rigorous; trying a severe test

Etymology: < MFr < OFr < L severus, prob. < se-, apart (see secede) + IE base *wer-, (to be) friendly > OE wær, faith, pledge, bond (of friendship)