/ hɑːʃ; NAmE hɑːrʃ/ adjective ( harsh·er , harsh·est )
1.
cruel, severe and unkind :
The punishment was harsh and unfair.
The minister received some harsh criticism .
the harsh treatment of slaves
He regretted his harsh words.
We had to face up to the harsh realities of life sooner or later.
2.
( of weather or living conditions ) very difficult and unpleasant to live in :
a harsh winter / wind / climate
the harsh conditions of poverty which existed for most people at that time
3.
too strong and bright; ugly or unpleasant to look at :
harsh colours
She was caught in the harsh glare of the headlights.
the harsh lines of concrete buildings
OPP soft
4.
unpleasant to listen to :
a harsh voice
5.
too strong and rough and likely to damage sth :
harsh detergents
► harsh·ly adverb :
She was treated very harshly.
Alec laughed harshly.
► harsh·ness noun [ U ]
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Middle Low German harsch rough, literally hairy, from haer hair.