na-adjective, noun
severe; harsh; rigorous; scathing; sharp
Describes criticism, judgment, or conditions that are extremely strict, biting, or unsparing. Often used for words, attitudes, or environments.
彼の峻烈な批判に、誰も反論できなかった。
No one could argue against his scathing criticism.
この小説は社会の矛盾を峻烈に描いている。
This novel depicts society's contradictions in a sharp, unsparing manner.
Compound of 峻 (steep, severe) and 烈 (violent, intense). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the kanji combination conveys extreme severity.