severe
adjective
1. intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality
- severe pain
- a severe case of flu
Similar word(s): intense, terrible, wicked
2. very strong or vigorous
- a severe blow
Similar word(s): strong, hard, knockout
3. severely simple
Similar word(s): plain, austere, stark, stern
4. strict and uncompromising in discipline or judgment
- a parent severe to the pitch of hostility
- a hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien
Similar word(s): nonindulgent, strict, spartan
5. causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm
- a severe case of pneumonia
Similar word(s): critical, dangerous, grave, grievous, serious
6. very bad in degree or extent
- a severe worldwide depression
- the house suffered severe damage
Similar word(s): bad