harsh

harsh · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Unpleasantly rough or jarring to the senses.

  2. 2.

    Cruel or severe.

  3. 3.

    (Of conditions) difficult to survive; severe or extreme.

  4. 4.

    (Of substances) damaging or abrasive.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    harsh words — unkind or severe language
  • •
    harsh reality — an unpleasant truth that must be faced
  • •
    harsh treatment — cruel or severe handling

Related words

Antonyms: gentle, lenient, mild, soft
See also: cruel, gentle, severe, severity
Synonyms: brutal, cruel, rough, severe, stern

Etymology

From Middle English harsk, of Scandinavian origin, related to Danish harsk ("rancid"). The original sense related to roughness or coarseness.