strict

Universal Words adjective (stricter, strictest) 1 that must be obeyed exactly: strict rules / regulations / discipline * She left strict instructions that she was not to be disturbed. * There are strict guidelines on how the work is to be carried out. * He told me in the strictest confidence (= on the understanding that I would tell nobody else). * She's on a very strict diet. 2 demanding that rules, especially rules about behaviour, should be obeyed: a strict teacher / parent / disciplinarian * She's very strict about things like homework. * They were always very strict with their children. 3 obeying the rules of a particular religion, belief, etc. exactly: a strict Muslim / Catholic / vegetarian 4 [usuallybeforenoun] very exact and clearly defined: It wasn't illegal in the strict sense (of the word). strictness noun [U]