Severity

·noun The quality or state of being severe.

II. Severity ·noun Exactness; rigorousness; strictness; as, the severity of a test.

III. Severity ·noun Harshness; cruel treatment; sharpness of punishment; as, severity practiced on prisoners of war.

IV. Severity ·noun Gravity or austerity; extreme strictness; rigor; harshness; as, the severity of a reprimand or a reproof; severity of discipline or government; severity of penalties.

V. Severity ·noun 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.