Of personal attributes, actions, utterances, feelings, etc.: Severe, strict, hard, grim, harsh.

Severe, stern, hard, or harsh. Of language, commands, etc. Obsolete.

Of an utterance, opinion, etc.: Unsparing in censure; strongly condemnatory.

Of a judgement, criticism, imposition, etc.: extremely or excessively severe in intent or effect; drastic, harsh.

figurative. With reference to speech: cutting, acerbic, bitter.