harsh meaning and definition

HARSH adjective

Definition of harsh (adjective)

1. unpleasantly stern
   • "wild and harsh country full of hot sand and cactus"; "the nomad life is rough and hazardous"
   • synonyms: rough
2. disagreeable to the senses
   • "the harsh cry of a blue jay"; "harsh cognac"; "the harsh white light makes you screw up your eyes"; "harsh irritating smoke filled the hallway"
3. of textures that are rough to the touch or substances consisting of relatively large particles
   • "coarse meal"; "coarse sand"; "a coarse weave"
   • synonyms: coarse
   • antonym: fine
4. unkind or cruel or uncivil
   • "had harsh words"; "a harsh and unlovable old tyrant"; "a rough answer"
   • synonyms: rough
5. severe
   • "a harsh penalty"
6. sharply disagreeable; rigorous
   • "the harsh facts of court delays"; "an abrasive character"
   • synonyms: abrasive