资料来源 : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Dire \Dire\, a. [Compar. {Direr}; superl. {Direst}.] [L. dirus;
   of uncertain origin.]
   1. Ill-boding; portentous; as, dire omens.

   2. Evil in great degree; dreadful; dismal; horrible;
      terrible; lamentable.

            Dire was the tossing, deep the groans. --Milton.

            Gorgons and hydras and chimeras dire. --Milton.