harsh

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Meaning · English

To negatively criticize.

Register: slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

Quit harshing me already, I said that I was sorry!

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

To put a damper on (a mood).

Register: slang

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “harsh” mean?

To negatively criticize.

Is “harsh” formal or informal?

harsh is generally slang.