strict

American  

[strikt] / strɪkt /

adjective

stricter, strictest

1. characterized by or acting in close conformity to requirements or principles.

   a strict observance of rituals.

   Synonyms:

   austere , harsh , illiberal , narrow

   Antonyms:

   lax , flexible

2. stringent or exacting in or in enforcing rules, requirements, obligations, etc..

   strict laws; a strict judge.

3. closely or rigorously enforced or maintained.

   strict silence.

4. exact or precise.

   a strict statement of facts.

   Synonyms:

   scrupulous , accurate

5. extremely defined or conservative; narrowly or carefully limited.

   a strict construction of the Constitution.

6. close, careful, or minute.

   a strict search.

7. absolute, perfect, or complete; utmost.

   told in strict confidence.

8. stern; severe; austere.

   strict parents.

9. Obsolete.  drawn tight or close.

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strict British  

/ strɪkt /

adjective

1. adhering closely to specified rules, ordinances, etc

   a strict faith

2. complied with or enforced stringently; rigorous

   a strict code of conduct

3. severely correct in attention to rules of conduct or morality

   a strict teacher

4. (of a punishment, etc) harsh; severe

5. (prenominal) complete; absolute

   in strict secrecy

6. logic maths

   1. applying more narrowly than some other relation often given the same name, as strict inclusion, which holds only between pairs of sets that are distinct, while simple inclusion permits the case in which they are identical See also proper ordering

   2. distinguished from a relation of the same name that is not the subject of formal study

7. rare  botany very straight, narrow, and upright

   strict panicles

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Related Words

Strict, rigid, rigorous, stringent imply inflexibility, severity, and an exacting quality. Strict implies great exactness, especially in the observance or enforcement of rules: strict discipline. Rigid, literally stiff or unbending, applies to that which is (often unnecessarily or narrowly) inflexible: rigid economy. Rigorous, with the same literal meaning, applies to that which is severe, exacting, and uncompromising, especially in action or application: rigorous self-denial. Stringent applies to that which is vigorously exacting and severe: stringent measures to suppress disorder.

Other Word Forms

• overstrict adjective
• strictly adverb
• strictness noun
• superstrict adjective
• superstrictly adverb
• superstrictness noun
• unstrict adjective
• unstrictly adverb
• unstrictness noun

Etymology

Origin of strict

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin strictus, equivalent to strig-, variant stem of stringere “to draw tight” + -tus past participle suffix

Example Sentences

Vaccine maker shares decline after the FDA indicate stricter approval rules.

From Barron's

The findings call into question the idea that projects of this scale require strict hierarchy or a single coordinating authority.

From Science Daily

Going on a stricter diet; being more consistent with her high-intensity workouts six days a week.

From BBC

Telecom companies and regulators are calling for tougher penalties and stricter enforcement.

From The Wall Street Journal

"Safety is our highest priority and easyJet operates its fleet of aircraft in strict compliance with manufacturers guidelines," the airline said.

From BBC

Related Words

• draconian
• exacting
• harsh
• rigid
• rigorous
• scrupulous
• severe
• stern
• stringent
• tough