stricture

1 an often public or formal expression of disapproval the church's strictures on the morals and mores of contemporary society Synonyms commination, condemnation, denunciation, excoriation, objurgation, rebuke, reprimand, reproach, reproof, riot act, censureRelated Words admonishment, admonition, castigation, chastisement, damnation, punishment, remonstrance; business, devil, dressing-down, lash, lecture, lesson, rap, scolding, talking-to, tongue-lashing; belittlement, criticism, deprecation, depreciation, disparagement, panNear Antonyms acclamation, honor, tribute; encomium, eulogy, panegyric, plaudit(s), praise; approval, blessing, sanctionAntonyms citation, commendation, endorsement (also indorsement)

2 something that limits one's freedom of action or choice the new zoning strictures effectively make further development along the riverfront commercially unviable Synonyms check, circumscription, condition, constraint, curb, fetter, limitation, restraint, restrictionRelated Words exception, proviso, qualification, reservation, stipulation, strings; ban, prohibition, proscriptionNear Antonyms freedom, latitude