n.
Pronunciation: ' st ə rn
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 \ ' st ə rn-n ə s \ noun