severity

severity is a Noun

Definition:

[1] The quality or state of being severe. Specifically: --

[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. "Strict age, and sour severity." Milton.

[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.

[4] Harshness; cruel treatment; sharpness of punishment; as, severity practiced on prisoners of war.

[5] Exactness; rigorousness; strictness; as, the severity of a test. Confining myself to the severity of truth. Dryden.