Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

stern-warning

noun
/stɜrn ˈwɔrnɪŋ/
Definition
A serious and firm admonition or caution given to someone, often to prevent them from making a mistake or to emphasize the importance of adhering to guidelines or rules.
Examples
  • The teacher issued a stern warning to the students about the importance of academic integrity.
  • After the prank, his friend gave him a stern warning to be more careful next time.
  • The coach’s stern warning about poor performance motivated the players to train harder.
Meaning
A stern warning typically conveys the weight of a situation, indicating that failure to heed it could result in significant consequences.
Synonyms
  • admonition
  • caution
  • warning
  • rebuke