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

Officials have urged strict adherence to preventive measures, including frequent handwashing and social distancing in high-risk areas.

From BBC

The local authority said applicants must also meet strict income thresholds.

From BBC

"We have strict protocols, excellent professionals for many years, and we need to get to the bottom of what happened," he added.

From BBC

Once upon a time, Kershaw adhered to a strict routine in the weight room.

From Los Angeles Times

At primary level in Wales, universal free school meals "saves families around £500 a year per child", Ms Harwood said, but a strict means test still applied for secondary age children.

From BBC

Related Words

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