strict

[strikt]

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.

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

   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

Other Word Forms

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

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

The UK government says Thailand has strict laws against drug use, possession and trafficking and having even small quantities can lead to heavy fines and jail time.

From BBC

Yet many survivors remain stuck, especially where rules are the strictest.

From Los Angeles Times

Further, the state’s strict permitting requirements have given residents tremendous power to veto projects and created regulatory headaches.

From Los Angeles Times

It also found parents underestimated the types of harmful content their children were viewing and that there was support for stricter rules on phones in schools.

From BBC

She was stunned to hear that because of stricter income cut-offs for that type of aid, Elijah would no longer receive those checks as of Oct.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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