severe meaning and definition

SEVERE adjective

Definition of severe (adjective)

1. intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
   • "severe pain"; "a severe case of flu"; "a terrible cough"; "under wicked fire from the enemy's guns"; "a wicked cough"
   • synonyms: terrible, wicked
2. very strong or vigorous
   • "strong winds"; "a hard left to the chin"; "a knockout punch"; "a severe blow"
   • synonyms: hard, knockout
3. severely simple
   • "a stark interior"
   • synonyms: austere, stark, stern
4. unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment
   • "a parent severe to the pitch of hostility"- H.G.Wells; "a hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien"; "a strict disciplinarian"; "a Spartan upbringing"
   • synonyms: spartan
5. causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
   • "a dangerous operation"; "a grave situation"; "a grave illness"; "grievous bodily harm"; "a serious wound"; "a serious turn of events"; "a severe case of pneumonia"; "a life-threatening disease"
   • synonyms: dangerous, grave, grievous, life-threatening, serious
6. very bad in degree or extent
   • "a severe worldwide depression"; "the house suffered severe damage"