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 enemys guns; a wicked cough

[ Syn: terrible , wicked ]

very strong or vigorous; strong winds; a hard left to the chin; a knockout punch; a severe blow

[ Syn: hard , knockout ]

severely simple; a stark interior

[ Syn: austere , stark , stern ]

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

[ Syn: spartan ]

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

[ Syn: dangerous , grave , grievous , serious , life-threatening ]

very bad in degree or extent; a severe worldwide depression; the house suffered severe damage'