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

Other Word Forms

• draconianism noun
• Draconianism 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."

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

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

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

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

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Related Words

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