/stɜːn/
Stern words or actions are very severe.
serious and often disapproving; expecting sb to obey you 严厉的；苛刻的；要求别人服从的 SYN strict
a stern face/expression/look
严厉的面容／表情／目光
a stern warning
严厉的警告
Her voice was stern.
她声调严厉。
The police are planning sterner measures to combat crime.
警方正制订更严厉的措施打击犯罪活动。