drastic

[dras-tik]

adjective

1. extremely severe or extensive.

   a drastic tax-reduction measure.

2. (of medicines) acting with force or violence.

   a drastic laxative.

drastic

/ ˈdræstɪk /

adjective

1. extreme or forceful; severe

Other Word Forms

• drastically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of drastic¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from Greek drastikós “active,” equivalent to drast(ós) (verbal adjective of drân “to do”) + -ikos adjective suffix ( -ic )

Word History and Origins

Origin of drastic¹

C17: from Greek drastikos, from dran to do, act

Example Sentences

"But it didn't feel too drastic at the time. It just reflected what we were listening to."

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Three months is also enough time to come up with more drastic changes if needed, he said.

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But pressure is growing on food makers to make more drastic changes.

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The new models may boost sales, said Wedbush analyst and Tesla bull Dan Ives, but they don’t represent a drastic enough change.

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“Their drastic pullback in production and employment led to a pretty severe industry contraction that has contributed to some strain on our funds. We’ll be looking to them to help fix that with us.”

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Related Words

• dire 
• forceful 
• harsh 
• radical