severity

Severity is being strict or harsh.

(noun)

An example of severity is a teenager being punished for coming home five minutes past their curfew.

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See severity in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. the quality or condition of being severe; specif.,
    1. strictness; harshness
    2. gravity, as of expression
    3. rigid accuracy
    4. extreme plainness or restraint, as in style
    5. keenness, as of pain; intensity
    6. rigorous or trying character
  2. pl. severities something severe, as a punishment

Origin: Fr sévérité < L severitas

See severity in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. se·ver·i·ties
  1. The state or quality of being severe.
  2. The act or an instance of severe behavior, especially punishment.

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