puritanical

adjective
UK: /ˌpjʊər.ɪˈtæn.ɪ.kəl/
US: /ˌpjʊr.ɪˈtæn.ɪ.kəl/

  1. Having very strict moral or religious beliefs, especially about sexual behaviour, and disapproving of other people's behaviour.

    1. His puritanical parents never let him date.
    2. The new laws reflect the puritanical attitude of the government towards personal freedom.

  2. Very severe and strict in habits and customs.

    1. The headmaster was puritanical about enforcing the school rules.
    2. She had a puritanical upbringing, which made her feel guilty about enjoying herself.

Synonyms

strict austere severe moralistic prudish prim
puritanical adverb

  1. In a puritanical manner; with strict moral or religious beliefs.

    1. She spoke puritanically about the evils of modern society.
    2. He approached the project puritanically, refusing to compromise on his principles.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "puritanical" in English means: Having very strict moral or religious beliefs, especially about sexual behaviour, and disapproving of other people's behaviour., Very severe and strict in habits and customs..

The phonetic transcription of "puritanical" is /ˌpjʊər.ɪˈtæn.ɪ.kəl/ in British English and /ˌpjʊr.ɪˈtæn.ɪ.kəl/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "puritanical": strict, austere, severe, moralistic, prudish, prim.

Example usage of "puritanical": "His puritanical parents never let him date.". More examples on the page.