severe

Unsparing, harsh, or strict, as in treatment of others.

Marked by or requiring strict adherence to rigorous standards or high principles.

Stern or forbidding, as in manner or appearance.

Extremely plain in substance or style.

Causing great discomfort, damage, or distress.

Very dangerous or harmful; grave or grievous.

Extremely difficult to perform or endure; trying.

Serious or earnest in feeling, manner, or appearance; without levity; sedate; grave; austere; not light, lively, or cheerful.

Very strict in judgment, discipline, or ac tion; not mild or indulgent; rigorous; harsh; rigid; merciless: as, severe criticism; severe punishment.

Strictly regulated by rule or principle; exactly conforming to a standard; rigidly methodical; hence, in lit., art, etc., avoiding, or not exhibiting or permitting, unnecessary or florid ornament, amplification, or the like; restrained; not luxuriant; always keeping measure; pure in line and form; chaste in conception; subordinated to a high ideal: as, a severe style of writing; the severest style of Greek architecture; the severe school of German music.