Meaning & Definition of Severe in English

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"

2. Very strong or vigorous

• "Strong winds"

• "A hard left to the chin"

• "A knockout punch"

• "A severe blow"

3. Severely simple

• "A stark interior"

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"

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"

6. Very bad in degree or extent

• "A severe worldwide depression"

• "The house suffered severe damage"