Draconian
Americanadjective
-
of, relating to, or characteristic of the Athenian statesman Draco, or his severe code of laws.
-
(often lowercase) rigorous; unusually severe or cruel.
Draconian forms of punishment.
adjective
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of or relating to Draco, 7th-century Athenian statesman and lawmaker, or his code of laws, which prescribed death for almost every offence
-
harsh
draconian legislation
Other Word Forms
- Draconianism noun
- draconianism noun
Etymology
Origin of Draconian
First recorded in 1810–20; < Latin Dracōn- (stem of Draco ) + -ian
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
