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

“On one hand you have a prison service that’s meant to be rule-abiding and strict and uphold British values, and in reality you have corrupt officers.”

From BBC

Canada has set strict rules for the sale of its uranium to other countries, Prof Piro said, and mandates it only be used for nuclear power generation.

From BBC

India's Supreme Court has said that authorities cannot demolish homes merely because a person has been accused of a crime and has laid down strict guidelines for any such action.

From BBC

His mother said he had recently told her it had felt as if there was "no end in sight" because of strict post-parole licensing rules, hence "falling back into old behaviours".

From BBC

Grindr has lost about 45% of its staff as it enforces a strict return-to-office policy that was introduced after a majority of employees announced a plan to unionize.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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