Dictionary

harsh

severe, cruel or unkind Opposition politicians have been subjected to harsh penalties for organising protests against the governing regime.

Phrase Bank

  • Harsh punishment may deter (= prevent) crime.
  • The government rejected charges by prisoners that conditions are harsh.
  • He was subjected to harsh treatment.
  • The company came under particularly harsh criticism for failing to fix the defective goods.
  • Some crimes justify harsh criminal penalties.

Additional Notes

  • harshly (adverb)
  • harshness (noun)