First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
harsh
adjective \ˈhärsh\
: unpleasant and difficult to accept or experience
: having an unpleasant or harmful effect because of great strength or force : too intense or powerful
: severe or cruel : not kind
Full Definition of HARSH
1
: having a coarse uneven surface that is rough or unpleasant to the touch
2
a : causing a disagreeable or painful sensory reaction : irritating b : physically discomforting : painful
3
: unduly exacting : severe
See harsh defined for English-language learners
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Origin of HARSH
Middle English harsk, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Norwegian harsk harsh
Related to HARSH
Synonym Discussion of HARSH
rough, harsh, uneven, rugged, scabrous mean not smooth or even. rough implies points, bristles, ridges, or projections on the surface <a rough wooden board>. harsh implies a surface or texture distinctly unpleasant to the touch <a harsh fabric that chafes the skin>. uneven implies a lack of uniformity in height, breadth, or quality <an old house with uneven floors>. rugged implies irregularity or roughness of land surface and connotes difficulty of travel <a rugged landscape>. scabrous implies scaliness or prickliness of surface <a scabrous leaf>.
Rhymes with HARSH
HARSHNESS Defined for Kids
harsh
adjective \ˈhärsh\
harsh·erharsh·est
Definition of HARSH for Kids
1
: causing physical discomfort <a harsh climate>
2
: having an unpleasant or harmful effect often because of great force or intensity <a harsh sound> <a harsh soap>
3
: severe or cruel : not kind or lenient <harsh punishment>
— harsh·ly adverb
— harsh·ness noun
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