harsh

Very strict, unkind, or cruel when dealing with people.

• His harsh words upset me.
• The judge gave her a harsh punishment.
• Do you think I was too harsh on him?

How to use it: be harsh on someone (The coach was harsh on the youngest players.)

Similar words: severe, cruel, stern

Opposites: kind, gentle

Common phrases: harsh punishment, harsh criticism, harsh on someone

To speak unkindly about someone or what they do.

• Stop harshing me over one mistake.
• They harshed on him for arriving late.
• She kept harshing on my cooking.

How to use it: harsh on someone/something (Why do you always harsh on my clothes?)

Similar words: criticize, attack

Opposites: praise

Common phrases: harsh on someone, harsh someone

To spoil a pleasant feeling or mood.

• That complaint really harshed my buzz.
• Please do not harsh the mood.
• His angry speech harshed the relaxed vibe.

Similar words: spoil, ruin

Common phrases: harsh my buzz, harsh the mood, harsh the vibe