The phrase "a severe check" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a significant limitation or restriction imposed on something, often in a negative context.
Example: "The new regulations imposed a severe check on the company's ability to expand its operations."
Alternatives: "a significant limitation" or "a harsh restriction".
Between Mīr Maḥmūd's death (1725) and 1731, Nādr Qoli Beg rapidly consolidated his hold over eastern Iran and placed a severe check on the rise of Pashtun power.
This War of the Bavarian Succession was half-hearted and short-lived, and the Treaty of Teschen ending it in May 1779 was a severe check to Joseph's ambitions and a diplomatic victory for Frederick.
He wrote to Congress and Washington that "My amiable friend, the gallant Montgomery, is no more; the brave Arnold is wounded; and we have met a severe check, in an unsuccessful attempt on Quebec, May Heaven be graciously pleased that the misfortune may terminate here".
unless the roots can deliver enough water to prevent severe water stress in the shoot (C 13), the newly planted tree will suffer a severe check to growth, shrivelling of leaves, die-back of shoot tips or death.
It is a judgment his prose style supports: "Shalamov holds himself in severe check as an artist", wrote Irving Howe, "he is simply intent, with a grey passion, upon exactitude".
If symptoms do get severe check into a hospital.
"They need a severe reality check as to what you need to do to survive and what you need to do to win," he said.
The delirium continued through 1989, but in July there was a severe reality check when 16-year-old Clare Leighton collapsed at the club and later died as a result of taking ecstasy.
Additionally, the study confirms what might otherwise seem obvious to seasoned auto owners, namely that older vehicles tend to suffer costlier and more severe check engine maladies than newer models.
The man who once governed Massachusetts as a pro-choice, pro-gay, pro-health care reformer has run as a "severe" conservative and checked absolutely all the boxes required of him in the conservative litmus tests.
—Male, age 58 Another participant also self-monitored while on dialysis after a severe cramping experience: I check [my fluid levels] when I go now.
