01 n. The quality or state of being severe.
pl.
Severities ((#))
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1.
The quality or state of being severe.
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2.
Gravity or austerity; extreme strictness; rigor; harshness; as, the severity of a reprimand or a reproof; severity of discipline or government; severity of penalties.
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3.
The quality or power of distressing or paining; extreme degree; extremity; intensity; inclemency; as, the severity of pain or anguish; the severity of cold or heat; the severity of the winter.
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4.
Harshness; cruel treatment; sharpness of punishment; as, severity practiced on prisoners of war.
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5.
Exactness; rigorousness; strictness; as, the severity of a test.“Confining myself to the severity of truth.” — Dryden.