Stern-faced

Stern-faced describes a person whose facial expression is serious, severe, and often disapproving. It implies a lack of smiling or amusement, and a demeanor that suggests disapproval, disapproval, or authority. The expression may be due to a naturally serious disposition, or a specific situation demanding seriousness. The term often highlights the impression of someone who is unyielding, strict, or unwilling to show leniency. It emphasizes the absence of warmth or friendliness in a person's facial expression, creating a sense of distance or intimidation. Often, such expressions are accompanied by a furrowed brow or tight lips which reinforce the serious appearance.

Stern-faced meaning with examples

• The teacher, usually kind, became stern-faced when she caught the students cheating, her gaze making them immediately regret their actions. The silence that followed was broken only by the whispers of the other children who's faces held concern at the new stern faced teacher. Even after the punishment she remained stern-faced, until it was all resolved, never uttering a word more than necessary.
• Entering the courtroom, the defendant was greeted by the stern-faced judge whose unwavering expression seemed to foreshadow a difficult trial. He'd seen this face before when talking to the other defendants or their legal counsel, as this was a face of an honest stern faced judge. His stare felt like he already knew what was what and who was who.
• The drill sergeant’s stern-faced demeanor intimidated the new recruits during the first week of boot camp, making them work hard. The way the recruits looked at each other felt strange, as if they were seeing something beyond the stern faced drill sergeants eyes, knowing it wasn't only words that would come out of their mouths. They knew this look meant business.
• The bank manager, stern-faced, listened to the desperate plea of the small business owner, but showed no sympathy to the difficult situation at hand. She was all business that day, even though it had been a hard day, it would have to continue, keeping that stern faced business woman stare was important. Her experience said to not trust and always doubt.
• When the news anchor reported the devastating disaster, she maintained a stern-faced expression to convey the gravity of the situation, conveying the emotions in her stern faced delivery. It was as though she knew just what the audience needed to understand the full effect of the events, she never flinched.