Stern

/stɜrn/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The rear part of a ship.

The captain stood at the stern, watching the waves crash against the vessel.

adjective

Serious and unrelenting in attitude or manner.

The teacher had a stern expression as she addressed the misbehavior in class.

Severe or strict in discipline.

His stern approach to parenting made sure the children understood the importance of responsibility.

Firm and uncompromising.

The judge was stern in her judgment, emphasizing the seriousness of the crime.

From Old English 'styrne', meaning steadfast, severe.

stern warning

A serious or severe warning.

stern face

A serious facial expression.

stern discipline

Strict and firm enforcement of rules.

severity

The condition of being severe.

strictness

The quality of being strict.

Used to describe a person who is overly strict or harsh.

She was known as a stern taskmaster in the office.