drastic

[ dras-tik ]

/ ˈdræs tɪk /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR drastic ON THESAURUS.COM

adjective

acting with force or violence; violent.

extremely severe or extensive: a drastic tax-reduction measure.

Nearby words

Origin of drastic

1685–95; < Greek drastikós active, equivalent to drast(ós) (verbal adjective of drân to do) + -ikos -ic

Related formsdras·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for drastic

Park employees helped John quit tobacco by way of a butts-proof glass enclosure, a drastic change in diet, and regular exercise.
Zebra Finches, Dolphins, Elephants, and More Animals Under the Influence|Bill Schulz|December 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
On a local level, pipeline leaks and spills could have a number of drastic effects.
The Pipeline From Hell: There’s No Good Reason to Build Keystone XL|Jack Holmes|November 15, 2014|DAILY BEAST
As alarming as parents might find those results, Dr. Temple cautions against jumping to any drastic conclusions.
Sexting Is the New ‘First Base’|Russell Saunders|October 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This drastic population decline was mainly caused by the introduction of European diseases.
Ellis Island’s Doubled-Edged Legacy|J.P. O’Malley|May 25, 2014|DAILY BEAST

The doc fix is an attempt to prevent doctors who take Medicare patients from having to take a drastic pay cut.
House Passes Controversial Bill Without A Vote|Ben Jacobs|March 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
The reduced manpower ceilings imposed on the Navy, even during the Korean War, had caused a drastic curtailment in recruiting.
Integration of the Armed Forces, 1940-1965|Morris J. MacGregor, Jr.
The morning after her drastic interview with Mrs. Williams, Selma studied herself searchingly in her mirror.
Unleavened Bread|Robert Grant
Resistance will compel the operators to be drastic, when they would rather go slowly and surely.
The Religious Persecution in France 1900-1906|Jane Milliken Napier Brodhead
It occurred to me that it might be quite a drastic form of demonstration.
The Diva's Ruby|F. Marion Crawford
No demand should be laid upon the mate that requires a drastic change of personality.
The Good Housekeeping Marriage Book|Various

British Dictionary definitions for drastic

drastic

/ (ˈdræstɪk) /

adjective

extreme or forceful; severe

Derived Formsdrastically, adverb

Word Origin for drastic

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for drastic

drastic

adj.

1690s, originally medical, "forceful, vigorous, especially in effect on bowels," from Greek drastikos "effective, efficacious; active, violent," from drasteon "(thing) to be done," from dran "to do, act, perform." Sense of "extreme, severe" is first recorded 1808. Related: Drastically.

drastic

adjective

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Origin of drastic

Examples from the Web for drastic

drastic

adjective

Word Origin for drastic

drastic