strict

[ strikt ]

adjective

, strict·er, strict·est.

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.

strict

/ 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 of a relation
   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

Derived Forms

• ˈstrictness, noun
• ˈstrictly, adverb

Other Words From

• strictness noun
• over·strict adjective
• super·strict adjective
• super·strictly adverb
• super·strictness noun
• un·strict adjective
• un·strictly adverb
• un·strictness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of strict¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of strict¹

C16: from Latin strictus, from stringere to draw tight

Synonym Study

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.

Example Sentences

"He was always very strict around this time of the year - 'stay at home and don't go out'. It was worth it - it is about winning the title at the end of the day."

From BBC

But, you know, Paul’s real fussy — I’m not as strict as he is.

From Los Angeles Times

The cavers experienced daily physical exertion, isolation and spartan hygiene and sleeping quarters -- a far cry from the strict parameters involved in orthodox lab work.

From Science Daily

He was sacked by the bank on 4 August, and Nomura said "strict disciplinary action" had been taken against relevant managers.

From BBC

Replicas of a sword featured in the Harry Potter film franchise have been recalled in Japan for violating the country's strict weapons law.

From BBC

Related Words

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