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severe

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The definition of severe is someone or something that is very serious, harsh or critical.

(adjective)

An example of severe as an adjective is the phrase severe punishment which is physically disciplining a child.

See severe in Webster's New World College Dictionary

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

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

Related Forms:

severely adverb
severeness noun

See severe in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective se·ver·er, se·ver·est

Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others: a severe critic.
Marked by or requiring strict adherence to rigorous standards or high principles: a severe code of behavior.
Stern or forbidding, as in manner or appearance: spoke in a severe voice.
Extremely plain in substance or style: a severe black dress.
Causing great discomfort, damage, or distress: a severe pain; a severe storm.
Very dangerous or harmful; grave or grievous: severe mental illness.
Extremely difficult to perform or endure; trying: a severe test of our loyalty.