A martinet is someone who demands extremely strict obedience to rules and procedures, often in ways that seem harsh or unreasonable. The word usually describes someone in authority who cares more about following rules perfectly than about whether those rules make sense or help people succeed.

Imagine a gym teacher who insists everyone's shoelaces must be tied in exactly the same way, or a camp counselor who makes kids redo their beds five times until the corners are perfectly square. While rules and discipline matter, a martinet takes things too far, focusing on rigid control rather than helping people learn and grow.

Notice that martinet is different from simply being strict or having high standards. A demanding teacher who pushes students to do their best work isn't necessarily a martinet. But a principal who punishes students for having their shirt untucked by one inch, or a coach who cares more about everyone standing in perfectly straight lines than about actually teaching the sport? That's martinet behavior. The word suggests someone whose love of rules and control has overtaken their common sense and compassion.