Draconian

[ drey-koh-nee-uhn, druh- ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or characteristic of the Athenian statesman Draco, or his severe code of laws.
2. (often lowercase) rigorous; unusually severe or cruel:

   Draconian forms of punishment.

draconian

/ dreɪˈkəʊnɪən; dreɪˈkɒnɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to Draco, 7th-century Athenian statesman and lawmaker, or his code of laws, which prescribed death for almost every offence
2. harsh

   draconian legislation

Derived Forms

• draˈconianism, noun

Other Words From

• Dra·coni·an·ism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of Draconian¹

First recorded in 1810–20; < Latin Dracōn- (stem of Draco ) + -ian

Example Sentences

"If you look a certain way, if you talk a certain way, you will be subject to these Draconian measures."

From BBC

Draconian measures to prevent draft-dodging were also excluded from the latest version of the bill after a public outcry.

From BBC

Draconian coronavirus restrictions are over, but not the sense of uncertainty about the future they created.

From New York Times

Draconian national security laws and mass surveillance internally are being matched by an increasingly aggressive Chinese military.

From Washington Times

Draconian abortion laws will produce suffering and, in the worst cases, death for American women.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• cruel
• drastic
• heavy-handed
• oppressive
• severe
• strict