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

He relaxed strict dress codes for agents, recruited female agents and pointedly hired people from outside the agency – who were not indoctrinated in the Hoover culture – for administrative posts.

From Salon

“Our contracts also set strict limits on a facility’s capacity. Simply put, our facilities are never overcrowded.”

From Los Angeles Times

The Defamation Act protects individuals from false statements that damage their reputation, while the Representation of the People Act sets strict rules on false claims during election campaigns.

From BBC

None of his children currently have their own phone – something he said he and the princess were strict about.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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