harsh, strict, or severe, esp in imposing discipline or exercising authority
a stern regime
The nuns were surprisingly stern with the kids
tough; hardhearted
When the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept; ambition should be made of sterner stuff — Shakespeare
firm; uncompromising
Nothing would shake their stern resolve
said of a landscape or environment: hostile; austere
sternly adv
sternness noun
[Old English styrne]