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 : harsh2: forbidding or gloomy in appearance3: inexorable <stern necessity>4: sturdy, stout <a stern resolve>

synonyms see severe

— stern·ly adverb

— stern·ness \ˈstərn-nəs\ noun