Definition of severe - WordReference.com Dictionary

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Adapted From: WordNet 2.0 Copyright 2003 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

severe
A	adjective
	1	dangerous, grave, grievous, serious, severe, life-threatening
			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"

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

	3	severe, spartan, strict
			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"

	4	severe, terrible, wicked
			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"

	5	austere, severe, stark
			severely simple; "a stark interior"

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