strict Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite rigidly accurate; allowing no deviation from a standard
    rigorous.
    • rigorous application of the law
    • a strict vegetarian
  2. adjective satellite (of rules) stringently enforced
    hard-and-fast.
    • hard-and-fast rules
  3. adjective characterized by strictness, severity, or restraint
    nonindulgent.
  4. adjective satellite incapable of compromise or flexibility
    rigid.
  5. adjective satellite severe and unremitting in making demands
    exacting; stern.
    • an exacting instructor
    • a stern disciplinarian
    • strict standards

WordNet

Strict adjective
Etymology
L. strictus, p.p. of stringere to draw or bind tight, to strain. See Strain, and cf. Strait, a.
Wordforms
comparative Stricter ; superlative Strictest
Definitions
  1. Strained; drawn close; tight; as, a strict embrace; a strict ligature. Dryden.
  2. Tense; not relaxed; as, a strict fiber.
  3. Exact; accurate; precise; rigorously nice; as, to keep strict watch; to pay strict attention. Shak.
    It shall be still in strictest measure. Milton.
  4. Governed or governing by exact rules; observing exact rules; severe; rigorous; as, very strict in observing the Sabbath. "Through the strict senteries." Milton.
  5. Rigidly; interpreted; exactly limited; confined; restricted; as, to understand words in a strict sense.
  6. (Bot.) Upright, or straight and narrow; -- said of the shape of the plants or their flower clusters. Syn. -- Exact; accurate; nice; close; rigorous; severe. -- Strict, Severe. Strict, applied to a person, denotes that he conforms in his motives and acts to a principle or code by which he is bound; severe is strict with an implication often, but not always, of harshness. Strict is opposed to lax; severe is opposed to gentle.
    And rules as strict his labored work confine, As if the Stagirite o'erlooked each line. Pope.
    Soon moved with touch of blame, thus Eve: - "What words have passed thy lips, Adam severe!" Milton.

Webster 1913