In the majority opinion, Justice Israel Rubin said Justice Wallach's harsh characterization of Ms. Thoresen was "entirely accurate."

"There were a few instances when torture was being used," General Fay told reporters at Pentagon news conference, in perhaps the harshest characterization of the abuses so far by military authorities.

Their harsh characterization of the field was challenged by Democrats and independent observers as bluster, though it seems to have fed confidence bordering on hubris in Mr. Bush's camp when polls might suggest reason for worry.

Nondescript would not be too harsh a characterization.

Despite the harsh characterizations in Dr. Wertheimer's report, Mr. Maslin said yesterday afternoon that the commission had not determined whether to hold a full investigation of Mr. Stewart's death.

His harsh characterisation of the slow, arcane Chancery law process gave memorable form to pre-existing widespread frustration with the system.

This is a harsher characterization than one customarily sees in the role - and it lifts the battle to a higher dramatic pitch.

ESPN's "Playmakers" series, which offended the National Football League with its frequently harsh characterization of professional football, was canceled yesterday by the network after one season.

I must say, I'm very saddened to report, Mr. Speaker, having listened to several speakers, that I've seen, frankly, quite caustic and harsh characterizations of the motives of the members.

Asked today whether she thought the Sterns would be able to explain the harsh characterizations of Mrs. Whitehead during the trial, she said: "They won't be able to.