Definition of severe:

• Rigid; harsh; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; very strict; often, over- strict; grave; rigidly exact; sharp; biting; concise; critical.
• Harsh; extremely strict or exact; apt to punish; earnest; rigid; stern; unpitying; austere; sober; sedate; intense, as cold; distressing; inclement, as the weather; searching, as a test or trial; excessive; rigidly adherent to a certain rule or standard, as applied to style in art; not employing unnecessary amplification or ornament, said of the style of a speaker or writer; close; concise.

Usage examples for severe

1. The shock, in any case, of sudden liberty, would be a severe one, and the meeting with his attached comrade would act as a preparation for that with his wife.  Bonnie Prince Charlie A Tale of Fontenoy and Culloden by G. A. Henty

2. He said nothing whatever, but stood regarding her with a clear eye and a face by far too severe.  The Crisis, Complete by Winston Churchill Last Updated: March 6, 2009