stern

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective (sterner, sternest) 1 serious and often disapproving; expecting sb to obey you: a stern face / expression / look * a stern warning * Her voice was stern. * The police are planning sterner measures to combat crime. 2 serious and difficult: a stern test of nerves * We face stern opposition. sternly adverb sternness noun [U] IDIOMS be made of sterner stuff to have a stronger character and to be more determined in dealing with problems than other people: Many would have given up, but Tim was made of sterner stuff. noun the back end of a ship or boat: to stand in / on / at the stern compareBOWn., POOP IDIOMS see STEMn.