— strictness , n.
/strikt/ , adj., stricter, strictest .
1. characterized by or acting in close conformity to requirements or principles: a strict observance of rituals.
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.
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. Obs. drawn tight or close.
[ 1570-80; strictus, equiv. to strig-, var. s. of stringere to draw tight + -tus ptp. suffix ]
Syn. 1. narrow, illiberal, harsh, austere. STRICT, RIGID, RIGOROUS, STRINGENT imply inflexibility, severity, and an exacting quality. STRICT implies great exactness, esp. 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, esp. in action or application: rigorous self-denial. STRINGENT applies to that which is vigorously exacting and severe: stringent measures to suppress disorder. 4. accurate, scrupulous.
Ant. 1. flexible, lax.