Definition of "extreme" in English

adjective

1. Of a place, the most remote, farthest or outermost.

   • At the extreme edges, the coating is very thin.

2. In the greatest or highest degree; intense.

   • He has an extreme aversion to needles, and avoids visiting the doctor.

3. Excessive, or far beyond the norm.

   • His extreme love of model trains showed in the rails that criscrossed his entire home.

4. Drastic, or of great severity.

   • I think the new laws are extreme, but many believe them necessary for national security.

5. Of sports, difficult or dangerous; performed in a hazardous environment.

   • Television has begun to reflect the growing popularity of extreme sports such as bungee jumping and skateboarding.

6. (archaic) Ultimate, final or last.

   • the extreme hour of life

noun

1. The greatest or utmost point, degree, or condition.

2. Each of the things at opposite ends of a range or scale.

   • extremes of temperature

3. (obsolete, plural only) One of the last moments of life.

4. A drastic expedient.

   • Some people go to extremes for attention on social media.

5. (obsolete, plural only) Hardships, straits.

6. (mathematics) Either of the two numbers at the ends of a proportion, as 1 and 6 in 1:2=3:6.

adverb

1. (archaic) Extremely.