Definition

1. Noun:
   • Severe criticism or censure: A stricture is a strong, often formal, expression of disapproval or condemnation.
   • Abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway: In medical contexts, a stricture refers to a pathological constriction or tightening of a tubular structure in the body.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Criticism):
  • The judge's stricture on the lawyer's conduct was widely reported.
  • He faced strictures from the committee for his failure to follow the protocol.
• Noun (Medical):
  • The patient was diagnosed with a urethral stricture.
  • An esophageal stricture can make swallowing difficult.

Advanced Usage

• "To pass strictures upon/on someone/something": To express severe criticism about someone or something.
  • The editorial passed strictures on the government's new policy.
• "To lay down a stricture": To impose a rule or criticism.
  • The principal laid down a stricture against using mobile phones in class.

Variants and Related Words

• Strict (adj): Demanding that rules are obeyed; exact and precise.
  • The school has strict rules about uniforms.
• Strictness (n): The quality or state of being strict.
  • The strictness of the diet made it hard to follow.

Synonyms

• Criticism, censure, rebuke, condemnation (for the meaning of severe criticism).
• Constriction, stenosis, narrowing (for the medical meaning).

Related Phrases

• Under stricture: Subject to criticism or restriction.
  • The department's spending is under stricture from the auditors.

Related Idioms

• No stricture intended: A phrase used to indicate that a critical remark is not meant to be harsh or personal.
  • I offer this advice with no stricture intended; I only wish to help.

Noun

1. severe criticism
2. abnormal narrowing of a bodily canal or passageway