I. ˈstərn, ˈstə̄n noun
( -s )
Etymology: from (assumed) Middle English sterne, from Old English stearn, a bird, probably tern — more at starling
dialect Britain : tern
II. ˈstərn, ˈstə̄n, ˈstəin adjective
( -er/-est )
Etymology: Middle English sterne, stirne, stierne, from Old English styrne, stierne; akin to Old High German stornēn to startle, frighten, storrēn to project stiffly, Gothic and staurran to scold, Old English starian to stare — more at stare
1.
a. : having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : severely strict : exacting , uncompromising , unbending , inflexible , rigorous , austere
equally stern to himself and others
a stern discipline
stern taskmasters
b. obsolete : lacking pity or mercy : cruel
c. : proceeding from or characteristic of a severe nature : expressive of severe displeasure : harsh
a stern look
returned a stern answer
2.
a. : forbidding or gloomy in appearance : lacking in pleasing or attractive aspects : inhospitable , uninviting
a stern coastline
a stern land demanding much and returning little
b. : rigorously severe in style : lacking enhancing ornamentation or softening detail
a stern , sturdy, and purely utilitarian hall
3. : of a compelling sort : inexorable
yielding to stern necessity
4. : of sturdy make or quality : having strong power to resist : stout
made a stern resolve to win
only the sternest spirits can enjoy such a climate
Synonyms: see severe
III. adverb
Etymology: Middle English sterne, stirne, from sterne, stirne, adjective
: in a stern manner : sternly — often used in combination
facing us with stern -set face
IV. ˈstern
variant of starn
V. ˈstərn, ˈstə̄n, ˈstəin, dial ˈstärn or ˈstȧn noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English sterne, probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse stjōrn act of steering, stȳra to steer — more at steer
1. obsolete
a. : the helm or tiller of a boat ; also : rudder
b. : direction by or as if by a rudder : steerage
c. : a post of management or direction
sit at chiefest stern of public weal — Shakespeare
2. : the after or rear end of a ship ; specifically : the portion of the hull abaft the rudderpost or sternpost — see counter illustration
3. : a hinder or rear part of something : the last or a latter part: as
a. : buttocks, rump , behind — not often in formal use
b. : tail 1a(1) — used of a hound
•
- by the stern
VI. verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English sternen, from sterne stern of a ship
transitive verb
1. obsolete : steer
2. : to move (a boat) stern first
intransitive verb
: to back water : row backward
VII. adjective
Etymology: stern (V)
1.
a. : of, relating to, or situated at or near the stern of a ship
b. : fastened or secured to or securing the stern
2. : following, pursuing, or characterized by pursuit astern