Szigorítás

Szigorítás is a Hungarian term that denotes the act or process of making rules, norms, or penalties stricter, or otherwise increasing restrictions or enforcement. It is used across public policy, law, and economics to describe measures intended to reduce leniency or looseness in a system.

Etymology and sense: The word derives from szigor, meaning strictness or severity, combined with the suffix -ítás, which forms nouns indicating an action or process. Depending on the context, szigorítás can refer to tightening of rules, enforcement, penalties, or regulatory thresholds.

Contexts and usage: In economics, szigorítás commonly refers to monetary tightening (szigorítás a monetáris politikában) such as higher interest rates or reduced money supply, aimed at controlling inflation or overheating growth. Fiscal policy can also feature szigorítás as spending cuts or tax increases designed to reduce deficits. In law and public safety, szigorítás marks stricter penalties, broader enforcement, or more rigorous compliance requirements. Immigration, labor, and corporate regulation may similarly undergo szigorítás to curb perceived risks or imbalances. In media and civil society, the term can describe tighter controls on content, assembly, or speech, though such usage may carry normative judgments.

Impact and debates: Szigorítás often involves trade-offs, such as restrictive effects on growth, investment, or civil liberties versus goals like price stability, public safety, or budgetary discipline. Critics may describe it as excessive or counterproductive, while supporters view it as necessary discipline.

Related concepts include enyhítés or lazítás, meaning easing or loosening of rules, which are used to contrast with szigorítás.