harsh

Formsharshes, harshing, harshed

1. 1
   adjective

   Very strict, cruel, or unkind in the way it treats someone.

   Like a punishment that feels much bigger than the small thing you did.

   The judge gave him a harsh punishment for a small mistake.

   He regretted his harsh words to his daughter after the argument.

   Similarsevere, stern, cruel, hard, grim

   Oppositelenient, gentle, kind, merciful

2. 2
   adjective

   Rough, sharp, or unpleasant to feel, hear, see, or taste.

   Like sandpaper rubbing against your skin.

   The soap was so harsh it made her skin red and dry.

   A harsh light filled the room and hurt our eyes.

   Similarrough, coarse, abrasive, uneven, jagged

   Oppositegentle, soft, mild, soothing

   Note
3. 3
   verbslangtransitive or intransitive

   To spoil a good mood or ruin the fun for others.

   Like someone turning off the happy music in the middle of a party.

   Please don't harsh the mood right before the show.

   All that arguing harshed everyone's good vibe.

   Similarspoil, dampen, ruin, sour

   Oppositebrighten, enliven

   Note
4. 4
   verbslangtransitive or intransitive

   To say strong, mean things about someone or something.

   Like telling someone all the bad things about their drawing.

   They love to harsh anything that isn't trendy anymore.

   The fans harshed the band's new album online.

   Similarcriticize, slam, knock, pan, trash

   Oppositepraise

   Note

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