Main Entry: ¹stern

Pronunciation: \ˈstərn\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare — more at stare

Date: before 12th century

1 a : having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : austere b : expressive of severe displeasure : harsh
2 : forbidding or gloomy in appearance
3 : inexorable <stern necessity>
4 : sturdy, stout <a stern resolve>

synonyms see severe

— stern·ly adverb

— stern·ness \ˈstərn-nəs\ noun