stern

/ˈstərn/

Middle English sterne, from Old English styrne; akin to Old English starian to stare

adjective

  1. having a definite hardness or severity of nature or manner : austere

  2. expressive of severe displeasure : harsh

  3. forbidding or gloomy in appearance

severe stern austere ascetic mean given to or marked by strict discipline and firm restraint. severe implies standards enforced without indulgence or laxity and may suggest harshness. stern stresses inflexibility and inexorability of temper or character.

noun

  1. the rear end of a boat

  2. a hinder or rear part : the last or latter part

biographical name

  1. Isaac 1920—2001 American (Russian-born) violinist