Main Entry:

strict

Pronunciation:

\ˈstrikt\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English stricte, from Latin strictus, from past participle of stringere to bind tight — more at strain

Date:

15th century

1archaic a: tight, close ; also : intimate b: narrow2 a: stringent in requirement or control <under strict orders> b: severe in discipline <a strict teacher>3 a: inflexibly maintained or adhered to <strict secrecy> b: rigorously conforming to principle or a norm or condition4: exact, precise <in the strict sense of the word>5: of narrow erect habit of growth <a strict inflorescence>

synonyms see rigid

— strict·ly \ˈstrik(t)-lē\ adverb

— strict·ness \-nəs\ noun