superl difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test.
2. severe ·superl serious in feeeling or manner; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful.
3. severe ·superl sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme; as, severe pain, anguish, fortune; severe cold.
4. severe ·superl very strict in judgment, discipline, or government; harsh; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; as, severe criticism; severe punishment.
5. severe ·superl rigidly methodical, or adherent to rule or principle; exactly conformed to a standard; not allowing or employing unneccessary ornament, amplification, ·etc.; strict;
said of style, argument, ·etc.