/ sɪˈvɪə(r); NAmE -ˈvɪr/ adjective
( se·verer , se·ver·est )
VERY BAD
1.
extremely bad or serious :
a severe handicap
His injuries are severe.
severe weather conditions
a severe winter (= one during which the weather conditions are extremely bad)
The party suffered severe losses during the last election.
a severe shortage of qualified staff
PUNISHMENT
2.
severe (on / with sb) punishing sb in an extreme way when they break a particular set of rules
SYN harsh :
The courts are becoming more severe on young offenders.
a severe punishment / sentence
NOT KIND
3.
not kind or sympathetic and showing disapproval of sb/sth
SYN stern :
a severe expression
She was a severe woman who seldom smiled.
VERY DIFFICULT
4.
extremely difficult and requiring a lot of skill or ability
SYN stiff :
The marathon is a severe test of stamina.
STYLE / APPEARANCE / CLOTHING
5.
( disapproving ) extremely plain and lacking any decoration :
Modern furniture is a little too severe for my taste.
Her hair was short and severe.
► se·vere·ly adverb :
severely disabled
areas severely affected by unemployment
Anyone breaking the law will be severely punished.
a severely critical report
Her hair was tied severely in a bun.
► se·ver·ity / sɪˈverəti; NAmE / noun [ U ]:
A prison sentence should match the severity of the crime.
The chances of a full recovery will depend on the severity of her injuries.
the severity of the problem
He frowned with mock severity.
The elaborate facade contrasts strongly with the severity of the interior.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 16th cent. (in sense 2): from French sévère or Latin severus .