Definition

Noun: * A strict policy of punishing all offenses or violations of a rule, no matter how minor: The term describes an uncompromising approach where even the smallest infraction is met with the full prescribed penalty, leaving no room for discretion or leniency.

Usage

"Zero tolerance" is used to describe official policies, especially in law enforcement, schools, or organizations, that mandate automatic, severe consequences for specific prohibited behaviors. It emphasizes the absence of exceptions.

Examples

• The school's zero-tolerance policy on fighting means any student involved is immediately suspended.
• The company has zero tolerance for harassment in the workplace.
• The police chief advocated for a zero-tolerance approach to vandalism in the city center.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used attributively (as a compound adjective) before nouns like "policy," "approach," or "stance."
  • The zero-tolerance stance on drugs was controversial.

Variants and Related Words

• Zero-tolerance (adj): Functioning as an adjective to describe such a policy.
  • They implemented a zero-tolerance rule.

Synonyms

• Uncompromising policy
• Strict enforcement
• Inflexible stance

Related Phrases

• To have zero tolerance for (something): To be completely unwilling to accept a particular behavior.
  • The coach has zero tolerance for laziness during practice.

Noun

1. extreme intolerance of antisocial behavior (usually by an uncompromising application of the law)
   • he urged zero tolerance for priests who abuse children sexually