Describing a person, object, or environment that appears stern, unyielding, and impassive. Often suggests a lack of emotional expression, a stoic demeanor, or an appearance of severe hardness, whether physical or metaphorical. It can describe a physical feature resembling rock, like a cliff, or a person's emotionally hardened appearance, indicating resilience or coldness. The term implies an absence of visible emotion and can convey an impression of strength, control, or remoteness, depending on the context.
Rock-faced meaning with examples
- The detective's rock-faced expression offered no hint of the breakthrough he'd just made in the case. He maintained a poker face throughout the interrogation, revealing nothing. The suspect's attempts to read his reaction proved futile. His controlled composure helped him build trust and sympathy as he gathered data.
- The massive mountain stood rock-faced against the relentless winds, its sheer cliffs intimidating. It reflected the morning sunlight, causing the landscape to glow around the area with a blinding brightness. Despite the danger, the view was gorgeous. It was a striking example of nature's resilience.
- Facing the devastating news, she maintained a rock-faced facade, barely betraying her grief. Her friends were concerned by her apparent stoicism. It was, however, her way of processing the situation, providing a temporary buffer. She would allow herself to grieve later, when she was alone, and it would be private.
- The old soldier, battle-worn and scarred, was rock-faced as he recalled the horrors of war. Years of trauma had eroded any vulnerability. The experience left a strong influence on his way of life. His face was a monument to the sacrifices of his fallen comrades. The weight of experience could be seen in every line.
- The sculpture's rock-faced exterior gave it a sense of timeless permanence. The artist had captured a sense of stoic majesty. This aesthetic of ruggedness gave the work a starkness that was breathtaking. It was an ode to stoicism and an illustration of the human condition.