severe

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   very bad in degree or extent

   a severe worldwide depression

2. 2
   adj

   unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment

   a parent severe to the pitch of hostility- H.G.Wells

3. 3
   adj

   intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

   severe pain

4. 4
   adj

   Very bad or intense.

   In the severer cases of hookworm the patient sometimes has an appetite for soil, paper, hair, clay, chalk, starch, and other unpalatables.

5. 5
   adj

   Strict or harsh.

   a severe taskmaster

6. 6
   adj

   Sober, plain in appearance, austere.

   a severe old maiden aunt

7. 7
   adj

   causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm

8. 8
   adj

   severely simple

Etymology

From Middle French, from Latin severus (“severe, serious, grave in demeanor”).