intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality; "severe pain"; "a severe case of flu"; "a terrible cough"; "under wicked fire from the enemy's guns"; "a wicked cough"
Used in a Sentence
severe
How to use severe in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for severe.
Editorial note
The severe restriction placed on travelers is similar to a trend of restrictions placed upon soldiers following 9/11.
Examples7
Definitions6
Parts of speech1
Quick take
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality; "severe pain"; "a severe case of flu"; "a terrible cough"; "under wicked fire from the enemy's guns"; "a wicked cough"
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of severe gathered in one view.
very strong or vigorous; "strong winds"; "a hard left to the chin"; "a knockout punch"; "a severe blow"
severely simple; "a stark interior"
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for severe.
adjective
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality; "severe pain"; "a severe case of flu"; "a terrible cough"; "under wicked fire from the enemy's guns"; "a wicked cough"
adjective
very strong or vigorous; "strong winds"; "a hard left to the chin"; "a knockout punch"; "a severe blow"
adjective
severely simple; "a stark interior"
adjective
unsparing and uncompromising in discipline or judgment; "a parent severe to the pitch of hostility"- H.G.Wells; "a hefty six-footer with a rather severe mien"; "a strict disciplinarian"; "a Spartan upbringing"
See also: spartan
adjective
causing fear or anxiety by threatening great harm; "a dangerous operation"; "a grave situation"; "a grave illness"; "grievous bodily harm"; "a serious wound"; "a serious turn of events"; "a severe case of pneumonia"; "a life-threatening disease"
See also: dangerous, grave, grievous, serious, life-threatening
adjective
very bad in degree or extent; "a severe worldwide depression"; "the house suffered severe damage"
Example sentences
The severe restriction placed on travelers is similar to a trend of restrictions placed upon soldiers following 9/11.
The only way to stop a large hemorrhage is to use copious amounts of the material, resulting in severe burns in some case reports.
For years, I would periodically drop into severe depression; I would stop sleeping, stop eating, stop answering my phone or email.
I regret using the word "scam" in my answer, because I think it overshadows the broader point I was making about Bitcoin's severe structural design flaws.
And it's true that overcoming your own objections to seek, and stick with, treatment for such a severe personality disorder is both impressive and admirable.
In the same way that someone with severe OCD will do things like wash their hands until the skin comes off, these people are neurotically compelled to dominate others even if doing so actually harms them.
Ortiz today: and they recognized that his conduct while a violation of the law did not warrant the severe punishments authorized by Congress and called for by the Sentencing Guidelines in appropriate cases.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use severe in a sentence?
The severe restriction placed on travelers is similar to a trend of restrictions placed upon soldiers following 9/11.
What does severe mean?
intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality; "severe pain"; "a severe case of flu"; "a terrible cough"; "under wicked fire from the enemy's guns"; "a wicked cough"
What part of speech is severe?
severe is commonly used as adjective.