First Known Use: 13th century
Dictionary
1strait
adjective \ˈstrāt\
Definition of STRAIT
2
3
a : causing distress : difficult b : limited as to means or resources
— strait·ly adverb
— strait·ness noun
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of STRAIT
Middle English, from Anglo-French estreit, from Latin strictus strait, strict, from past participle of stringere
2strait
adverb
Definition of STRAIT
obsolete : in a close or tight manner
First Known Use of STRAIT
13th century
3strait
noun
: a narrow passage of water that connects two large bodies of water
straits : a very difficult situation
Full Definition of STRAIT
1
a archaic : a narrow space or passage b : a comparatively narrow passageway connecting two large bodies of water —often used in plural but singular in construction c : isthmus
2
: a situation of perplexity or distress —often used in plural <in dire straits>
See strait defined for English-language learners
See strait defined for kids
First Known Use of STRAIT
14th century
Synonym Discussion of STRAIT
juncture, exigency, emergency, contingency, pinch, straits, crisis mean a critical or crucial time or state of affairs. juncture stresses the significant concurrence or convergence of events <an important juncture in our country's history>. exigency stresses the pressure of restrictions or urgency of demands created by a special situation <provide for exigencies>. emergency applies to a sudden unforeseen situation requiring prompt action to avoid disaster <the presence of mind needed to deal with emergencies>. contingency implies an emergency or exigency that is regarded as possible but uncertain of occurrence <contingency plans>. pinch implies urgency or pressure for action to a less intense degree than exigency or emergency <come through in a pinch>. straits applies to a troublesome situation from which escape is extremely difficult <in dire straits>. crisis applies to a juncture whose outcome will make a decisive difference <a crisis of confidence>.
STRAIT[1] Defined for Kids
strait
noun \ˈstrāt\
Definition of STRAIT for Kids
1
: a narrow channel connecting two bodies of water
2
: a situation of difficulty or distress —often used in pl. <The lost hikers were in dire straits.>
Learn More About STRAIT
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: strait–bodiedPrevious Word in the Dictionary: strain theoryAll Words Near: strait
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up strait? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).