severeadj.
/sᵻˈvɪə/, U.S. /səˈvɪ(ə)r/ I. Rigorous in condemnation or punishment.
1. absolute.1817 P. B. Shelley Laon & Cythna ii. xxxiv. 49 Nor are the strong and the severe to keep The empire of the world.
a. Of persons, their temper, disposition, etc.: Rigorous in one's treatment of, or attitude towards, offenders; unsparing in the exaction of penalty; not inclined to indulgence or leniency.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > strictness > [adjective] > severe or stern
wrothc893
retheeOE
stithc897
starkOE
sternOE
hardOE
dangerous?c1225
sharpa1340
asperc1374
austerec1384
shrewda1387
snella1400
sternful?a1400
unsterna1400
dour?a1425
piquant1521
tetrical1528
tetric1533
sorea1535
rugged?1548
severe1548
hard-handed1611
Catonian1676
tetricous1727
heavy1849
acerbic1853
stiff1856
Catonic1883
tough1905
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > harshness or severity > [adjective]
heavyc825
retheeOE
stithc897
hardeOE
starkOE
sternOE
dangerous?c1225
sharp?c1225
unsoftc1275
sturdy1297
asperc1374
austerec1384
shrewda1387
snella1400
sternful?a1400
dour?a1425
thrallc1430
piquant1521
tetrical1528
tetric1533
sorea1535
rugged?1548
severe1548
iron1574
harsh1579
strict1600
angry1650
Catonian1676
Draconic1708
tetricous1727
alkaline1789
acerbic1853
stiff1856
acerbate1869
acerbitous1870
Draconian1876
Catonic1883
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Asper,..rude, seuere, rigorous.
1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Austerus,..cruelle, austere, seuere.
1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cxcvijv In a steade of a gentle and mercifull Prince, you shall haue a seuere executour of iustice.
a1568 R. Ascham Scholemaster (1570) i. f. 11v One of the greatest benefites, that euer God gaue me, is, that he sent me so sharpe and seuere Parentes, and so ientle a scholemaster.
1611 Bible (King James) Wisd. v. 20 His seuere wrath shall he sharpen for a sword. View more context for this quotation
1611 T. Heywood Golden Age i. sig. C3 Why should not I proue as seuere a mother As he a cruell father.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Measure for Measure (1623) iii. i. 510 He who the sword of Heauen will beare, Should be as holy, as seueare . View more context for this quotation
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ix. 1169 And am I now upbraided, as the cause Of thy transgressing? not enough severe, It seems, in thy restraint. View more context for this quotation
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 170 They were men of severe tempers, and kept good discipline.
a1780 J. Harris Philol. Inq. (1781) iii. iii. 270 [Athens] found the cruel Sylla her severest enemy.
1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein II. iii. 41 Charles of Burgundy desired the character of a just though severe prince.
1849 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. viii. 342 The King's temper was arbitrary and severe.
1878 R. W. Dale Lect. Preaching (ed. 3) iii. 74 Nature is sometimes kindly if she is often severe.
b. Const. to, with, against.
ΚΠ
1561 [see sense 3a].
1648 in S. R. Gardiner Hamilton Papers (1880) 216 The Houses haue been of late very seuere against the poore Caualiers.
1676 E. Stillingfleet Def. Disc. Idolatry i. ii. 277 What made the Church of Alexandria be so severe with Origen for but holding the incense in his hands..? yet for this, he was cast out of the Church.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1674 (1955) IV. 39 A severe Master to his Servants.
1725 A. Pope tr. Homer Odyssey II. ix. 132 Each rules his race, his neighbour not his care, Heedless of others, to his own severe.
1753 T. Gray Hymn to Adversity in Six Poems 26 Justice to herself severe.
c. Of a person's looks, demeanour, etc.: Betokening a severe mood or disposition.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > strictness > [adjective] > severe or stern > of expression or manner
sturdy1297
grim1340
stern1390
malicious1485
severe1565
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > harshness or severity > [adjective] > specifically of looks or demeanour
grim1340
stern1390
severe1565
hard-faced1567
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Seuerus Seuere grauitie of countenance.
1603 R. Knolles Gen. Hist. Turkes 709 Saying with seuere countenance, that they were worthie of such death.
a1616 W. Shakespeare As you like It (1623) ii. vii. 155 The Iustice,..With eyes seuere, and beard of formall cut. View more context for this quotation
1675 J. Covel Diary in J. T. Bent Early Voy. Levant (1893) 206 A full, roundish high fore~head, a severe brow.
1819 W. Scott Ivanhoe III. vi. 140 ‘There is in this mansion..’ said the Grand Master, in a severe tone, ‘a Jewish woman.’
1848 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair xlix. 438 The Lady Bareacres..to whom the Colonel's lady made also a most respectful obeisance: it was returned with severe dignity by the exalted person in question.
2.
a. Of law, judgement, punishment, discipline, restraint, and the like: Involving strict and rigorous treatment; executed or carried out with rigour; not leaning to tenderness or laxity; unsparing.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > strictness > [adjective] > strict or severe (of rules, judgement, or discipline)
strongeOE
starkc1175
sharpa1340
strait1390
unrelaxed1508
exacta1538
severe1562
strict1578
weightya1616
stringent1846
ramrod1850
medieval1917
tough1961
society > authority > punishment > [adjective] > severe
tartc1000
severe1562
the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > severity > [adjective] > specifically of punishment or persecution
sharpa1340
grievous1393
penalc1443
severe1562
1562 N. Winȝet Certain Tractates (1800) I. 21 The seueir punisment of Core, Dathan, and Abiron.
1569 W. Wager Longer thou Liuest sig. G I represent Gods seuere iudgement, Which dallieth not where to strike he doth purpose.
1599 W. Shakespeare Romeo & Juliet v. iii. 268 Let my old life be sacrific'd..Vnto the rigour of seuerest law. View more context for this quotation
1661 Act 13 Chas. II c. 9 §21 None shall presume to quarrell with his Superior Officer, upon pain of severe punishment.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ iii. i. §12 It is not evident that the Laws of all the antient Common-wealths were so severe against Atheism.
1670 A. Marvell Let. 10 Mar. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 100 The House..voted..that seuere provision be made against all frauds upon the Importation [of wine].
1797 A. Radcliffe Italian I. x. 286 Schedoni..hinted, that the obedience of youth was hopeless, unless severer measures were adopted.
1819 P. B. Shelley Cenci v. ii. 86 To pursue this monstrous crime By the severest forms of law.
1838 F. A. Paley tr. G. F. Schömann Com. Atheniensibus Introd. 19 The people..disliking the severe controll of the four hundred.
1861 M. Pattison in Westm. Rev. Apr. 415 Severer penalties awaited drunkenness, dissipation, or dicing.
b. Of a compact: Imposing rigorous conditions, stringent. Of an account: Unsparingly exacted.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > language > speech > agreement > [adjective] > of an agreement > imposing rigorous conditions
severea1616
a1616 W. Shakespeare Henry VI, Pt. 1 (1623) v. vi. 114 If we conclude a Peace It shall be with such strict and seuere Couenants, As little shall the Frenchmen gaine thereby. View more context for this quotation
a1677 J. Taylor Contempl. State Man (1684) i. ix. 113 Let us not misspend the time of this life, since so severe an account will be demanded of all the benefits which we have received.
1751 J. Jortin Serm. (1771) I. vii. 135 Power wantonly exercised is the undesirable opportunity of doing mischief, for which a severe account is to be given in the next state.
c. Of a prisoner: Rigorously confined.Apparently an isolated use.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > subjection > restraint or restraining > restraint depriving of liberty > confinement > [adjective] > confined > strictly
severe1740
1740 S. Richardson Pamela II. 101 You told me once she was in London, waiting on a Bishop's Lady, when all the time she was a severe Prisoner here.
3. absolute.c1614 J. Sylvester tr. H. Smith Micro-cosm. 374 in Wks. (1880) II. 100 If I be merry, I am mad (say the Severe).
a. Unsparing in censure, criticism, or reproof.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > criticism > [adjective] > severely
severe1561
excoriating1605
hitting1632
outbraiding1655
slashing1734
lancinating1762
tomahawking1777
hard-hitting1831
smashing1833
slashy1862
scarifying1865
scathing1865
slating1885
1561 B. Googe tr. ‘M. Palingenius’ Zodiake of Life (new ed.) Ded. sig. a7 As the deuine Plato (although a Iudge somethynge to seuer agaynste them)..dothe confesse.
1581 J. Hamilton Catholik Traictise i. f. 21 S. Hierom, the seueir impugner of all hæritiks in his age.
1638 R. Baker tr. J. L. G. de Balzac New Epist. II. 83 Your friend therefore is certainely more severe than hee neede to be.
c1673 E. Waller To the Duchess, when he presented this Book 8 While we your wit and early knowledge fear, To our productions we become severe.
1680 J. Dryden in J. Dryden et al. tr. Ovid Epist. Pref. sig. A6 The most severe Censor cannot but be pleas'd with the prodigality of his [Ovid's] Wit.
1683 J. Turner Pallas Armata 39 (margin) Lipsius severe to Vegetius.
1711 J. Addison Spectator No. 124. ¶1 As the most severe Reader makes Allowances for many Rests and Nodding-places in a voluminous Writer.
1762 O. Goldsmith Citizen of World II. 141 Her very appearance was sufficient to silence the severest satyrist of the sex.
1780 Mirror No. 70 His good-nature..prevented him from viewing, with too severe an eye, the occasional excesses of some of his companions.
1825 T. B. Macaulay Milton in Edinb. Rev. Aug. 306 Nor..will the severest of our readers blame us.
1837 W. Whewell Hist. Inductive Sci. I. 178 The exact but severe historian of astronomy, Delambre,..loses all his bitterness when he comes to Hipparchus.
1858 M. A. Paul Maiden Sisters xii. 119 ‘There is no depth in the talk of general society, but plenty of lightness and flippancy.’ ‘I think you are severe,’ said Ellen, courageously.
b. to be severe on (or upon): to pass harsh or sarcastic judgement on, ‘to be hard upon’.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > strictness > make more strict or severe [verb (transitive)] > be severe upon
to be sharp upon1561
to come down1611
to be severe on (or upon)1672
spitchcock1674
to handle without gloves1827
to handle with gloves off1828
to catch or get Jesse1839
to jump upon1868
to give (one) snuff1890
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > harshness or severity > be harsh or severe upon [verb (transitive)]
to be sharp upon1561
to come down1611
to be severe on (or upon)1672
spitchcock1674
to sit hard on1715
to handle without gloves1827
to handle with gloves off1828
to catch or get Jesse1839
to jump upon1868
to give (one) snuff1890
to give (a person) the works1901
hardball1984
the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > criticism > criticize [verb (transitive)] > severely
to be sharp upon1561
crossbite1571
scarify1582
canvass1590
maul1592
slasha1652
fib1665
to be severe on (or upon)1672
scalp1676
to pull to (or in) pieces1703
roast1710
to cut up1762
tomahawk1815
to blow sky-high1819
row1826
excoriate1833
scourge1835
target1837
slate1848
scathe1852
to take apart1880
soak1892
pan1908
burn1914
slam1916
sandbag1919
to put the blast on (someone)1929
to tear down1938
clobber1944
handbag1952
rip1961
monster1976
1672 W. Wycherley Love in Wood ii. i. 26 His wit properly lies in..being severe as they call it, upon other peoples cloaths.
1713 J. Addison in Guardian 16 Sept. 1/1 The good Lady Lizard..desired her Cosin Thomas..not to be so severe on his Relations.
1738 J. Swift Compl. Coll. Genteel Conversat. 103 I suppose the Colonel was cross'd in his first Love, which makes him so severe on all the Sex.
1858 M. A. Paul Maiden Sisters xiv. 138 ‘One must not be severe on a little inequality of temper,’ said Norah, laughing.
c. Of an utterance, opinion, etc.: Unsparing in censure; strongly condemnatory.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > harshness or severity > [adjective] > specifically of actions or utterances
stern?c1225
sore1526
severe1561
savage1821
acidic1936
1561 B. Googe tr. ‘M. Palingenius’ Zodiake of Life (new ed.) Ded. sig. a8 Humbly requesting that..the simple frutes of a yong head, may strongly be defended from the seuer reprehensions of Momus.
1668 A. Marvell Let. 2 May in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 75 We on Munday send to the Lords seuere votes against their proceedings.
1692 J. Norris 2 Treat. Divine Light i. 15 He..very gravely applies to me two of the most severe Texts of Scripture that he could pick out in all the Bible.
1710 J. Swift Tale of Tub (ed. 5) Apol. sig. a3 The severest Stroaks of Satyr in his Book.
1781 W. Cowper Table Talk 103 I grant the sarcasm is too severe.
1873 B. Harte Episode of Fiddletown 27 He was arrested..and discharged with a severe reprimand.
1879 J. Lubbock Addresses, Polit. & Educ. ix. 151 English travellers in Oriental countries frequently make severe remarks on the manner in which the..remains of antiquity are allowed to go to ruin.
II. Conforming to a rigorous standard.
4.
a. Extremely strict in matters of conduct or behaviour; rigorous in self-discipline and self-restraint; austere with oneself; shunning laxity or self-pleasing.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > asceticism > [adjective]
sternc1374
austerea1425
tetrical1528
tetric1533
severe1565
ascetic1646
tetricous1727
ascetical1836
the world > action or operation > behaviour > a standard of conduct > [adjective] > conforming > strictly
sternc1374
precise1526
severe1565
precisianc1610
strictc1660
rigorist1844
1565 T. Cooper Thesaurus at Seuerus A seuere man eschewynge all sensuall pleasures.
a1616 W. Shakespeare Othello (1622) ii. iii. 292 Come, you are too seuere a morraler. View more context for this quotation
1643 Sir T. Browne Religio Medici (authorized ed.) ii. §7 To doe no injury, nor take none, was a principle, which to my former yeers..seemed to contain enough of Morality, but my more setled yeares, and Christian constitution have fallen upon severer resolutions. View more context for this quotation
1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd iv. 277 The Stoic severe . View more context for this quotation
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 4. ⁋8 He is held in the highest Veneration imaginable for a severe Honesty, and Love of his Country.
a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 329 He was a man of severe morals.
1798 S. Lee Young Lady's Tale in H. Lee Canterbury Tales II. 411 Emily affected severe economy in her travelling expences.
1817 W. Scott Rob Roy I. xiii. 315 A man of severe temperance.
1823 F. D. Hemans Siege Valencia i. 115 We must fall As men that in severe devotedness Have chosen their part, and bound themselves to death.
1869 H. F. Tozer Res. Highlands of Turkey II. 306 [His] severe impartiality adds weight to his authority.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar xxviii. 481 A Roman matron of the strictest and severest type.
b. Of habits, etc.: Dictated by strict and austere principles of living.
ΘΚΠ
the world > physical sensation > physical sensibility > asceticism > [adjective] > of way of life
straitc1300
sharp1340
severe1828
1828 Sewell in Oxf. Prize Ess. 36 The Spartan manners were rough, simple, and severe.
1879 J. A. Froude Cæsar vi. 49 The habits of the household were simple and severe.
c. Of a secret: Strictly kept (? obsolete). Of a resolution: Unyielding, rigid.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > secrecy, concealment > [adjective] > most
lockedOE
severe1735
secret as the grave1832
hiddenmost1892
the mind > will > decision > [adjective] > unyielding (of a resolution)
severe1849
1735 H. Fielding Universal Gallant iv. 47 I beg this thing may be kept a severe Secret.
1849 T. De Quincey Eng. Mail-coach in Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Oct. 488/1 The emperor..descended in great pomp from his throne, with the severest resolution never to remount it.
5. absolute.1683 W. Soames tr. N. Boileau-Despréaux Art of Poetry i. 5 Happy, who in his Verse can gently steer, From Grave, to Light, from Pleasant, to Severe [Fr. du plaisant au sévère].1734 A. Pope Ess. Man: Epist. IV 348 Form'd by thy Converse, happily to steer From grave to gay, from lively to severe.
a. Of intellectual operations, thought, etc.: Conforming to an exacting standard of mental effort; rigidly exact or accurate; grave, serious, not light or recreative; not shrinking from what is toilsome or difficult. (Cf. 9.)
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > attention > earnest attention, concentration > [adjective] > requiring serious attention
serious1531
severe1605
incumbent1651
strong1670
solid1700
1605 F. Bacon Of Aduancem. Learning ii. sig. Bb4 A substantiall and seuere Collection of the Heteroclites, or Irregulars of Nature, well examined & described. View more context for this quotation
1647 J. Howell New Vol. of Lett. 103 I find you have a genius for the most solid and severest sort of studies.
1662 E. Stillingfleet Origines Sacræ ii. viii. §6. 235 And upon severe enquiry we shall find the grand principle which [etc.].
1682 J. Dryden Religio Laici 15 Those hours hast thou to Nobler use employ'd; And the severe Delights of Truth enjoy'd.
1757 T. Gray Ode II iii. iii, in Odes 20 Truth severe, by fairy Fiction drest.
1812 D. Cresswell Elem. Treat. Investigation Maxima & Minima i. 10 In haste to quit the province of severe reasoning.
1821 W. Hazlitt Milton's Sonn. in Table-talk A day spent in social retirement and elegant relaxation from severer studies.
1839 T. De Quincey Lake Reminisc. in Tait's Edinb. Mag. Apr. 251/2 Under the continual restraint of severe good sense.
1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola I. xii. 200 [He] is held in high honour for his severe scholarship.
b. said of a student, thinker, etc.
ΚΠ
1603 S. Daniel Def. Ryme in Panegyrike (new ed.) sig. H5v Peraduenture there will be found in the now contemned recordes of Ryme, matter not vnfitting the grauest Diuine, and seuerest Lawyer in this kingdome.
1706 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. 8 Mar. (O.H.S.) I. 201 Mr. Smith..has been..a severe Student.
6. † b. Of a language: Concise, terse, not redundant. Obsolete. rare.
a. In reference to style or taste, literary or artistic: Shunning redundance or unessential ornament; not florid or exuberant; sober, restrained, austerely simple or plain.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > good taste > simplicity > [adjective]
plainc1330
simplea1382
neat1453
natural1553
austere1581
bare1583
unintricated1649
severe1665
clever1674
light1740
ungaudy1795
unassuminga1807
inartificial1823
quiet1838
unpretentious1838
unabstract1840
uninvolved1853
penny-plain1854
simplex munditiis1874
unstagy1882
clinical1932
shibui1947
understated1957
society > leisure > the arts > the arts in general > [adjective] > qualities of works generally
wateryc1230
polite?a1500
meagre1539
over-laboured1579
bald1589
spiritless1592
light1597
meretricious1633
standing1661
effectual1662
airy1664
severe1665
correct1676
enervatea1704
free1728
classic1743
academic1752
academical1752
chaste1753
nerveless1763
epic1769
crude1786
effective1790
creative1791
soulless1794
mannered1796
manneristical1830
manneristic1837
subjective1840
inartisticala1849
abstract1857
inartistic1859
literary1900
period1905
atmospheric1908
dateless1908
atmosphered1920
non-naturalistic1925
self-indulgent1926
free-styled1933
soft-centred1935
freestyle1938
pseudish1938
decadent1942
post-human1944
kitschy1946
faux-naïf1958
spare1965
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > plainness > [adjective]
nakedOE
simplea1382
meanc1450
rural1488
misorned1512
inornate?1518
barec1540
broad1588
bald1589
kersey1598
russet1598
unvarnisheda1616
unembellished1630
illaborate1631
severe1665
renable1674
small1678
unadorned1692
inelaborate1747
unlarded1748
chaste1753
uncoloured1845
minimalist1929
spare1965
1665 R. Boyle Occas. Refl. vi. i. sig. Mm7 To expect that Piety and Vertue were able, by their native charms, so much to endear my dress, as to win themselves adorers in a plain, or even a severe one.
1677 J. Dryden Authors Apol. Heroique Poetry in State Innocence Pref. sig. b3 Virgil and Horace, the severest Writers of the severest Age.
1693 J. Dryden Disc. Orig. & Progr. Satire in Ess. (1900) II. 65 Lucilius, who was more severe, and more correct.
1820 J. Keats Hyperion: a Fragm. i, in Lamia & Other Poems 157 That inlet to severe magnificence Stood full blown, for the God to enter in.
1849 J. Ruskin Seven Lamps Archit. ii. 56 The forms of the tracery were still severe and pure.
1856 R. W. Emerson Eng. Traits vi. 116 Even Brummel their fop was marked by the severest simplicity in dress.
1860 J. Ruskin Mod. Painters V. 319 He would have been remembered as one of the severest of painters.
1872 W. Black Strange Adventures Phaeton x Queen Titania's more severe but no less graceful costume.
ΘΚΠ
society > leisure > the arts > literature > style of language or writing > conciseness > [adjective]
compendious1388
briefc1430
short1487
short and sweet1545
curted1568
summarc1575
laconical1576
summary1582
succinct1585
totala1586
laconic1589
concisec1590
compendiary1609
press?1611
curt1631
Spartan1644
nutshell1647
severe1680
Lacedaemonian1780
straightforward1806
uncircumlocutory1808
shorthand1822
Spartanlike1838
unwordy1841
nutshelly1843
tight1870
Spartanic1882
unfarced1890
serried1899
taut1916
1680 J. Dryden in J. Dryden et al. tr. Ovid Epist. Pref. sig. A8v The Latin, (a most severe and Compendious Language).
III. Of impersonal agencies or conditions: Pressing hardly, rigorous.
7.
a. Of the weather, etc.: Causing great discomfort or injury to living beings; hard, rigorous; very cold, wet or stormy.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > weather and the atmosphere > weather > bad weather > [adjective] > severe or violent (of weather or elements)
retheeOE
strongOE
stithc1100
snella1400
woodc1400
outrage?a1425
violentc1425
sternc1449
strainable1497
rigorous1513
stalwart1528
vehement1528
sore1535
sturdy1569
robustious1632
severe1676
beating1702
shaving1789
snorting1819
wroth1852
wrathy1872
snapping1876
vicious1882
1676 in 12th Rep. Royal Comm. Hist. MSS (1890) App. v. 32 God bless your two deare sweet babies and keep them from the sharp colds of this seveare weather.
a1684 J. Evelyn Diary anno 1658 (1955) III. 211 This had ben the severest Winter, that man alive had knowne in England.
1768 H. Walpole Let. to Earl of Strafford 25 June We have had some severe rain; but the season is now beautiful.
1774 T. Pennant Tour Scotl. 1772 175 The climate is very severe.
1788 M. Cutler Jrnl. 7 Sept. in W. P. Cutler & J. P. Cutler Life, Jrnls. & Corr. M. Cutler (1888) I. 420 Very severe shower in the night.
1812 S. Edwards New Bot. Garden I. 59 In case the frost is not so severe as to destroy the flowers.
1867 G. MacDonald Ann. Quiet Neighbourhood III. v. 88 Very severe weather came.
1884 Harper's Mag. Jan. 283/2 They would require slightly severer cold to affect them.
b. Of fire or light: Painfully or searchingly intense. rare.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > light > intensity of light > [adjective] > dazzling or glaring
blazinga1387
piercinga1400
sulȝart1513
dazzling1581
overbright1587
glaring?c1600
bisson1604
quick1609
glary1632
severe1648
overpowering1700
aglare1712
adazzle1832
bedazzling1852
unbeholdable1855
braying1922
the world > matter > properties of materials > temperature > heat > burning > fire or flame > [adjective] > violent (of fire)
bremec1374
violentc1425
vehement1528
severe1648
1648 R. Crashaw Steps to Temple (ed. 2) 106 O that booke! whose leaves so bright, Will set the world in severe light.
1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost ii. 276 Our torments also may in length of time Become our Elements, these piercing Fires As soft as now severe . View more context for this quotation
a1822 P. B. Shelley Triumph of Life in Posthumous Poems (1824) 91 In that light's severe excess.
c. Of an attack of illness or disease: Attended with a maximum of pain or distress, violent.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > characteristics > [adjective] > violent or severe
grimc900
strongeOE
grievousc1290
burning1393
acutea1398
maliciousa1398
peracutea1398
sorea1400
wicked14..
malign?a1425
vehement?a1425
malignousc1475
angrya1500
cacoethe?1541
eager?1543
virulent1563
malignant1568
raging1590
roaring1590
furious1597
grassant1601
hearty1601
sharp1607
main1627
generous1632
perperacute1647
serious1655
ferine1666
bad1705
severe1725
unfavourable1782
grave1888
1725 N. Robinson New Theory of Physick 265 It is the way Nature her self often takes, in solving the severer Fevers.
1756 M. Calderwood Lett. & Jrnls. (1884) ix. 245 The coldness of the inn had given Mr. Calderwood a severe cold.
1803 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 10 522 The complaint was in many cases very severe, but fatal to very few.
1823 W. Whewell in J. M. Douglas Life & Corr. W. Whewell (1881) 83 I finally caught a severe cold.
1899 T. C. Allbutt et al. Syst. Med. VIII. 507 In severe cases [of eczema] there may be some prodromal symptoms.
8. absolute.1802 T. Beddoes Hygëia II. viii. 141 The gouty, besides having to struggle with every thing that pain has of severe, are [etc.].
a. Of pain, suffering, loss, or the like: Grievous, extreme.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > emotion > suffering > mental anguish or torment > [adjective] > severe
heavya1000
tartc1000
unridec1175
unsoftc1275
uglya1300
smartc1300
sternc1300
cruelc1384
sharpc1386
shrewda1387
snella1400
painousa1450
painlyc1460
sensible1502
terrible1509
heinous?1541
severe1747
the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > severity > [adjective] > grievous or extreme
severe1747
1747 T. Gray Ode Eton Coll. 7 Moody Madness laughing wild Amid severest Woe.
1781 W. Cowper Truth 101 His voluntary pains, severe and long.
1794 A. Radcliffe Myst. of Udolpho III. xiii. 420 The silence of Valancourt..oppressed Emily with severe anxiety.
1808 Med. & Physical Jrnl. 19 173 Severe shooting pains in the head were felt.
1838 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Ferdinand & Isabella I. i. xi. 378 The loss inflicted on the infantry was also severe.
1847 W. M. Thackeray Vanity Fair (1848) xxxii. 284 She..watched incessantly by the wounded lad, whose pains were very severe.
1848 H. H. Wilson Hist. Brit. India 1805–35 III. v. 200 Their exposure beyond the trenches to the fire of the garrison would have been attended with still severer loss of life.
1888 Spectator 30 June 874/2 There has been a severe fall in the value of the shares.
b. Qualifying an agent-n., as a severe loser.
ΚΠ
1754 S. Foote Knights ii. 34 'Tis odd, that the same Cause that increases the Passion in one Sex, should destroy it in the other: The Reason is above my Reach; but the Fact I am a severe Witness of.
1863 H. Fawcett Man. Polit. Econ. ii. v. 185 Individuals engaged in the trade might be severe losers.
9.
a. Of events or circumstances, labour or exercise, a struggle or contest, a test, trial, etc.: Hard to sustain or endure; making great demands on one's powers or resources; arduous.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > difficulty > [adjective] > of difficulties: hard to surmount
steep1644
severe1774
the world > action or operation > manner of action > violent action or operation > severity > [adjective]
heavyc825
grimc900
strongeOE
hardeOE
drearyOE
eileOE
sweerOE
deara1000
bitterOE
tartc1000
smartOE
unridec1175
sharp?c1225
straitc1275
grievousc1290
fellc1330
shrewda1387
snella1400
unsterna1400
vilea1400
importunea1425
ungainc1425
thrallc1430
peisant1483
sore?a1513
weighty1540
heinous?1541
urgent?1542
asperous?1567
dure1567
spiny1586
searching1590
hoara1600
vengible1601
flinty1613
tugging1642
atrocious1733
uncannya1774
severe1774
stern1830
punishing1833
hefty1867
solid1916
1774 J. Bryant New Syst. II. 58 Osiris..then entered Thrace, with the King of which he had a severe encounter.
1785 W. Cowper Task iv. 389 The man feels least, as more inur'd than she To winter, and the current in his veins More briskly mov'd by his severer toils.
1798 C. Forester Let. in Paget Papers (1896) I. 114 This day..met near Oakham, have had a very severe day.
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey III. v. xiii. 270 De Bœffleurs once more assisted me; though his terms were most severe.
1827 W. Scott Two Drovers Introd., in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. xiii. 289 The master of the pack takes as severe exercise as his whipper-in.
1838 W. H. Prescott Hist. Reign Ferdinand & Isabella III. ii. xiv. 127 This action was one of the severest which occurred in these wars.
1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps ii. xxii. 347 In the following experiment the ice was subjected to a still severer test.
1867 S. W. Baker Nile Tributaries (1886) xiv. 244 The pace was too severe, and, although running wonderfully, he was obliged to give way to the horses.
1880 C. T. Newton Ess. Art & Archæol. viii. 323 Universities where this elaborate training was tested by competitive examinations of the severest kind.
b. transferred. Of geographical terrain, etc.: causing exertion or making great demands of endurance or skill; taxing, hard to ‘negotiate’. Also spec. of a rock or mountain or the route by which it may be climbed. Hence as n. (usually with capital initial).
ΘΚΠ
the world > the earth > land > ground > [adjective] > condition for movement
foec1400
smoothc1400
soft?1523
skelp1607
heavy1710
tender1727
severe1881
holding1891
underfoot1976
the world > space > shape > curvature > types of curvature > [adjective] > sharp (of curve)
quick1725
severe1881
stunt1886
the world > the earth > land > landscape > high land > mountain > [adjective] > high or steep
straight1475
severe1881
society > travel > means of travel > route or way > way, path, or track > road > parts of road > [adjective] > of a curve: sharp, hard to 'negotiate'
severe1881
1881 Sportsman's Year-bk. 49 Twenty miles a day is often the work of a crack greyhound intended to run in a severe country.
1897 Daily News 1 Sept. 3/1 This is again a very difficult piece of running. There are severe curves at Smethwick and at Worcester Foregate.
1897 O. G. Jones Rock-climbing p. xxiii Exceptionally Severe Courses: Screes Great Gully.
1935 D. Pilley Climbing Days iv. 66 It was bizarre that a severe should sometimes seem simple, when a moderate caused nerve storms of impotent despair.
1951 E. Coxhead One Green Bottle iii. 86 ‘Ah yes, the Amphitheatre Buttress... An easy Difficult, isn't it?’ She..herself led Very Difficults, and occasionally..an easy Severe.
1958 E. Newby Short Walk in Hindu Kush iii. 34 Easy, moderate, difficult, very difficult, severe, very severe, exceptionally severe, and excessively severe.
1970 Guardian 28 Aug. 18/6 The Wen Slab, a broad expanse of smooth, sheer rock classed as ‘very severe’.
1975 G. Moffat Miss Pink iii. 43 It's the big stack off the north headland: a hundred and fifty feet high... A good Severe, we thought.
1976 H. MacInnes Death Reel iii. 23 ‘Is there any climbing on Bidean?’ ‘I reckon Lilly's route is the best line on this side. About 600 feet, Severe.’
10. Nautical. (See quot. 1867.)
ΘΚΠ
society > travel > travel by water > other nautical operations > [adjective] > effectual (of nautical operations)
severe1830
1830 F. Marryat King's Own I. xiii. 185 Belay all that; take a severe turn, and don't come up an inch.
1867 W. H. Smyth & E. Belcher Sailor's Word-bk. Severe, effectual; as, a severe turn in belaying a rope.
11. colloquial (chiefly U.S.). A vague epithet denoting superlative quality; very big or powerful; hard to beat.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > goodness and badness > quality of being good > excellence > [adjective]
faireOE
bremea1000
goodlyOE
goodfulc1275
noblec1300
pricec1300
specialc1325
gentlec1330
fine?c1335
singulara1340
thrivena1350
thriven and throa1350
gaya1375
properc1380
before-passinga1382
daintiful1393
principala1398
gradelya1400
burlyc1400
daintyc1400
thrivingc1400
voundec1400
virtuousc1425
hathelc1440
curiousc1475
singlerc1500
beautiful1502
rare?a1534
gallant1539
eximious1547
jolly1548
egregious?c1550
jellyc1560
goodlike1562
brawc1565
of worth1576
brave?1577
surprising1580
finger-licking1584
admirablea1586
excellinga1586
ambrosial1598
sublimated1603
excellent1604
valiant1604
fabulous1609
pure1609
starryc1610
topgallant1613
lovely1614
soaringa1616
twanging1616
preclarent1623
primea1637
prestantious1638
splendid1644
sterling1647
licking1648
spankinga1666
rattling1690
tearing1693
famous1695
capital1713
yrare1737
pure and —1742
daisy1757
immense1762
elegant1764
super-extra1774
trimming1778
grand1781
gallows1789
budgeree1793
crack1793
dandy1794
first rate1799
smick-smack1802
severe1805
neat1806
swell1810
stamming1814
divine1818
great1818
slap-up1823
slapping1825
high-grade1826
supernacular1828
heavenly1831
jam-up1832
slick1833
rip-roaring1834
boss1836
lummy1838
flash1840
slap1840
tall1840
high-graded1841
awful1843
way up1843
exalting1844
hot1845
ripsnorting1846
clipping1848
stupendous1848
stunning1849
raving1850
shrewd1851
jammy1853
slashing1854
rip-staving1856
ripping1858
screaming1859
up to dick1863
nifty1865
premier cru1866
slap-bang1866
clinking1868
marvellous1868
rorty1868
terrific1871
spiffing1872
all wool and a yard wide1882
gorgeous1883
nailing1883
stellar1883
gaudy1884
fizzing1885
réussi1885
ding-dong1887
jim-dandy1888
extra-special1889
yum-yum1890
out of sight1891
outasight1893
smooth1893
corking1895
large1895
super1895
hot dog1896
to die for1898
yummy1899
deevy1900
peachy1900
hi1901
v.g.1901
v.h.c.1901
divvy1903
doozy1903
game ball1905
goodo1905
bosker1906
crackerjack1910
smashinga1911
jake1914
keen1914
posh1914
bobby-dazzling1915
juicy1916
pie on1916
jakeloo1919
snodger1919
whizz-bang1920
wicked1920
four-star1921
wow1921
Rolls-Royce1922
whizz-bang1922
wizard1922
barry1923
nummy1923
ripe1923
shrieking1926
crazy1927
righteous1930
marvy1932
cool1933
plenty1933
brahmaa1935
smoking1934
solid1935
mellow1936
groovy1937
tough1937
bottler1938
fantastic1938
readyc1938
ridge1938
super-duper1938
extraordinaire1940
rumpty1940
sharp1940
dodger1941
grouse1941
perfecto1941
pipperoo1945
real gone1946
bosting1947
supersonic1947
whizzo1948
neato1951
peachy-keen1951
ridgey-dite1953
ridgy-didge1953
top1953
whizzing1953
badass1955
wild1955
belting1956
magic1956
bitching1957
swinging1958
ridiculous1959
a treat1959
fab1961
bad-assed1962
uptight1962
diggish1963
cracker1964
marv1964
radical1964
bakgat1965
unreal1965
pearly1966
together1968
safe1970
bad1971
brilliant1971
fabby1971
schmick1972
butt-kicking1973
ripper1973
Tiffany1973
bodacious1976
rad1976
kif1978
awesome1979
death1979
killer1979
fly1980
shiok1980
stonking1980
brill1981
dope1981
to die1982
mint1982
epic1983
kicking1983
fabbo1984
mega1985
ill1986
posho1989
pukka1991
lovely jubbly1992
awesomesauce2001
nang2002
bess2006
amazeballs2009
boasty2009
daebak2009
beaut2013
the world > relative properties > quantity > greatness of quantity, amount, or degree > high or intense degree > [adjective] > very great or extreme
strangec1380
overpassinga1382
passinga1387
most?c1430
extremec1460
horriblea1464
violenta1500
mainc1540
immortal?c1550
exquisite1552
sore1555
three-piled1598
thundering1618
devilish1639
shrewda1643
deadly1660
woundy1681
vast1696
monstrous1711
mortal1716
terrific1743
hell-fired1754
hellish1764
colossal1794
severe1805
awful1818
all-fired1829
terrible1829
quare and1847
ferocious1877
pluperfect1889
raging1889
giddy1896
utter1898
stiff1905
1805 T. E. White Jrnl. (1904) 32 I got up this morning with the determination to have a severe nap before night.
1834 J. Hall Kentucky II. 9 Your whiskey is as good as your fire, and that is saying a great deal, for you are the severest old beaver to tote wood that I've seen for many a long day.
1847 T. De Quincey Spanish Mil. Nun in Wks. (1890) XIII. 209 (note) These Andes, in Jonathan's phrase, are a ‘severe’ range of hills.
1864 J. C. Atkinson Stanton Grange 75 The whole party arrived, quite ready for a ‘severe tea’.
1889 C. D. Warner in Harper's Mag. Jan. 270/1 A well-known character in the mountains, who has killed twenty-one men... He is called, in the language of the country [Kentucky], a ‘severe’ man.
12. Epithet of a small snake, Coluber severus.
ΚΠ
1802 G. Shaw Gen. Zool. III. 421 Severe snake. Coluber Severus.
13. quasi-adv.= severely adv.
ΘΚΠ
society > authority > strictness > [adverb] > strictly or severely of rules, judgement, or discipline
sharplyc900
fasteOE
straitlya1340
severely1548
sickerly1596
severe1599
strictly1602
society > authority > strictness > [adverb] > severely or sternly
sternlyc897
stitha1000
sterna1175
foulc1275
stithlya1300
steevely1340
austerely?a1400
smartlya1400
unsternlya1400
sore1484
shrewdly1490
dourlya1500
severely1548
roundly1567
severe1599
fiercely1611
piquantly1691
the world > action or operation > behaviour > bad behaviour > harshness or severity > [adverb]
sternlyc897
sharplyc900
stitha1000
hardlyOE
starklyOE
sterna1175
stithlya1300
hardilyc1300
ruggedlya1382
austerely?a1400
smartlya1400
unsternlya1400
acerbly?a1425
brussly1481
sore1484
shrewdly1490
dourlya1500
severely1548
roundly1567
severe1599
strictly1602
fiercely1611
Draconically1641
rugged1661
the world > action or operation > behaviour > adaptability to circumstances > [adverb] > not
severe1599
severely1649
rigidly1791
1599 T. Nashe Lenten Stuffe 20 Not any where is the word seuerer practised, the preacher reuerentlier obserued and honoured.
1673 J. Milton Psalm II in Poems (new ed.) 131 The Lord shall scoff them, then severe Speak to them in his wrath.
1725 E. Fenton in A. Pope et al. tr. Homer Odyssey I. i. 446 Nor blame severe his choice.
1802 J. Woodforde Diary 13 July (1931) V. 401 It was like to be a severe contested Election.
Compounds
severe-faced, severe-looking adjs.
ΚΠ
1939 W. Fortescue There's Rosemary xxxv. 220 Together we hurried down the garden path—to meet Queen Alexandra, Princess Victoria, and a severe-faced lady coming out of the garden door.
a1957 J. Cary Captive & Free (1959) xliii. 186 A very severe-looking young woman.
Draft additions 1997
severe combined immune deficiency n. (also severe combined immunodeficiency) Pathology a rare and often fatal congenital immune deficiency which is characterized by abnormally low levels of T lymphocytes and (in most cases) also of B lymphocytes. Abbreviated SCID n. at S n.1 Additions.
ΘΚΠ
the world > health and disease > ill health > a disease > congenital or hereditary syndromes > [noun]
amyelia1865
amelia1872
congenital myotonia1886
myotonia congenita1887
Thomsen's disease1890
von Recklinghausen's disease1899
pseudoxanthoma1900
Werdnig–Hoffmann1903
myotonia atrophica1908
Fröhlich1909
Milroy's disease1909
Lindau disease1928
Steinert's disease1932
von Hippel–Lindau disease1932
Werner's syndrome1934
Sturge–Weber syndrome1935
gargoylism1936
Morgagni's syndrome1936
Hurler's disease1937
von Willebrand1941
Turner1942
autism1944
hypophosphatasia1948
Klinefelter1950
mucopolysaccharidosis1952
progeria1957
Pendred1960
Down's syndrome1961
Patau's syndrome1961
Marinesco–Sjögren syndrome1962
cri du chat syndrome1964
Prader–Willi syndrome1964
Noonan syndrome1965
Lesch-Nyhan syndrome1966
Wernicke–Korsakoff1966
Down1967
mannosidosis1969
mucolipidosis1970
Asperger's syndrome1971
Angelman syndrome1972
adrenoleukodystrophy1973
SCID1973
severe combined immune deficiency1973
Miller–Dieker syndrome1980
Asperger1988
Asperger's disorder1994
1973 Lancet 16 June 1393/2 Three patients with both severe combined immunodeficiency (S.C.I.D) and adenosine-deaminase (A.D.A.) deficiency have been reported.
1984 M. J. Taussig Processes in Pathol. & Microbiol. (ed. 2) 78 The most extreme forms of primary immunodeficiency in children are (a) the X-linked infantile (Bruton-type) agammaglobulinaemia..,(b) thymic aplasia or Di George syndrome..,and (c) severe combined immunodeficiency, where both T and B systems are deficient due to the absence of stem cells in the bone marrow.
1992 Independent 16 Jan. 2/1 The Cleveland girl suffered from a rare inherited defect, known as severe combined immune deficiency (SCID), which crippled her immune system. Most patients with the condition die in infancy from overwhelming infection.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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adj.1548