adj. strict·er, strict·est 1. a. Rigorous in the imposition of discipline: a strict parent. b. Conforming completely to established rule, principle, or condition: a strict vegetarian. 2. a. Requiring close observance or demanding in expectations: strict standards. See Synonyms at severe. b. Carefully maintained or observed: strict silence; strict loyalty. 3. Not loose or vague; exact or precise: a strict definition. 4. Botany Stiff, narrow, and upright. [Middle English stricte, narrow, small, from Latin strictus, tight, strict, past participle of stringere, to draw tight; see streig- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] strictly adv. strictness n. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.