- (superl.) Very strict in judgment, discipline or government; harsh; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; as, severe criticism; severe punishment.
- (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.
- (superl.) Sharp; afflictive; distressing; violent; extreme; as, severe pain, anguish, fortune; severe cold.
- (superl.) Difficult to be endured; exact; critical; rigorous; as, a severe test.
- (superl.) Serious in feeeling or manner; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively or cheerful.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
| APA | Webster's. (2011). Severe. Retrieved September 26, 2026, from http://smartdefine.org/severe/definitions/2060885 |
| Chicago | Webster's. 2011. "Severe" http://smartdefine.org/severe/definitions/2060885 (accessed September 26, 2026). |
| Harvard | Webster's 2011, Severe, Smart Define, viewed 26 September, 2026, <http://smartdefine.org/severe/definitions/2060885>. |
| MLA | Webster's. "Severe" 28 May 2011. Web. 26 September 2026. <http://smartdefine.org/severe/definitions/2060885> |