Harsh, a. [Compar. Harsher; superl. Harshest.]
Etymology: [OE. harsk; akin to G. harsch, Dan. harsk rancid, Sw. härsk; from the same source as E. hard. See Hard, a.]
1. Rough; disagreeable; grating; esp.:(a) To the touch."Harsh sand." Boyle. (b) To the taste. "Berries harsh and crude." Milton. (c) To the ear. "Harsh din." Milton.
2. Unpleasant and repulsive to the sensibilities; austere; crabbed; morose; abusive; abusive; severe; rough. Clarence is so harsh, so blunt. Shak. Though harsh the precept, yet the charmed. Dryden.
3. (Painting, Drawing, etc.)
Having violent contrasts of color, or of light and shade; lacking in harmony.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for harsh; he lists it under bitter, severe.
Where he writes about it:
We say a sour face, sharp words, bitter complaints, caustic wit, cutting irony, biting sarcasm, a stinging taunt, harsh judgment, a tart reply. — from bitter
Harsh carries the idea of intentional and severe unkindness, bitter of a severity that arises from real or supposed ill treatment. — from bitter
We speak of austere morality, rigid rules, rigorous discipline, stern commands, severe punishment, harsh speech or a harsh voice, hard requirements, strict injunctions, and strict obedience. — from severe