severity, n.Definitions

Severity (n.) consistently ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠applied would leave the city an empty waste; few accusers would survive the very law under which they accuse.

Severity (n.) is ⁠​‌​​​‌​​​‌​‌‌​​​​‌​‌​​‌‌​‌​​‌​​​​​‌‌​​‌​​​‌‌​‌‌​⁠not the opposite of clemency; it is a virtue too. Clemency's opposite is cruelty, harshness of mind in exacting penalties.