Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Language: Old English
Origin: styrne

stern

1 adjective
     
stern1
1 serious and strict, and showing strong disapproval of someone's behaviour:
sterner penalties for drug offences
stern look/voice/expression etc
'Wait!' I shouted in my sternest voice.
stern warning/rebuke
His actions have earned him stern rebukes from human-rights organizations.
2

be made of sterner stuff

to have a strong character and be more determined than other people to succeed in a difficult situation:
Ann, made of sterner stuff than I, refused all offers of help.
—sternly adverb
—sternness noun [uncountable]
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
 
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