SEVERE

adjective (~r; -est) Etymology: Middle French or Latin; Middle French, from Latin severus Date: 1548 1. strict in judgment, discipline, or government, of a strict or stern bearing or manner ; austere , rigorous in restraint, punishment, or requirement ; stringent , restrictive , strongly critical or condemnatory ; censorious , 4. maintaining a scrupulously exacting standard of behavior or self-discipline, establishing exacting standards of accuracy and integrity in intellectual processes , sober or restrained in decoration or manner ; plain , 6. inflicting physical discomfort or hardship ; harsh , inflicting pain or distress ; grievous , requiring great effort ; arduous , of a great degree ; serious , ~ly adverb ~ness noun severity noun Synonyms: see: ~