martinet

Stickler for rules

A martinet is a strict disciplinarian who demands rigid adherence to rules and procedures.

The word typically carries negative connotations—suggesting someone who enforces order for its own sake rather than for any practical purpose: The new supervisor was a martinet who wrote people up for being thirty seconds late.

Military contexts are common, but the term applies anywhere petty authoritarianism thrives.

person

disciplinarian

Strict enforcer of rules

taskmasterStrict work supervisor
drillmasterStrict military instructor
sticklerDemands strict adherence

tyrant · authoritarian · drill sergeant · overseer · sergeant · headmaster · headmistress · governess · prefect · warden

traits

strict

Rigorous, without flexibility

rigidUnable to bend
inflexibleUnable to bend
unyieldingRefusing to give way

stern · demanding · exacting · uncompromising · harsh · rigorous · stringent · austere · unbending · unrelenting

behavior

nitpicking

Excessive focus on trivialities

micromanagingExcessive control over details
reprimandingFormally expressing disapproval
inspectingExamining closely for flaws

drilling · disciplining · correcting · enforcing · regulating · scolding · berating · punishing · scrutinizing · fault-finding

martinet

disciplinarian

strict

nitpicking

martinet

Opposites

Phrases

Categories

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