severity
UK: sɪˈverəti | US: səˈvɛrəti
n. the quality or state of being severe (harsh, strict, or extreme)
n. the degree to which something is severe (e.g., illness, weather)
The word "severity" traces back to the Latin severitas, derived from severus (meaning "strict, harsh, or serious"). The root sever- entered English via Old French sevré, retaining its core sense of sternness or rigor. The suffix -ity (from Latin -itas) transforms adjectives into nouns denoting a state or condition. Over time, "severity" expanded from describing strictness in behavior to quantifying intensity (e.g., medical conditions or weather).
The severity of the storm caused widespread damage.
Judges must consider the severity of the crime before sentencing.
Her illness worsened in severity despite treatment.
The teacher’s severity made students nervous.
Climate change increases the severity of natural disasters.