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

drapeau, draper, drapery, drapes, drappie, drastic, drat, dratted, draught, draughtboard, draughts

Origin of drastic

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

Related forms

dras·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 Forms

drastically, 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

drastic

adjective

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Nearby words

Origin of drastic

Related forms

Examples from the Web for drastic

British Dictionary definitions for drastic

drastic

adjective

Derived Forms

Word Origin for drastic