draconian

adjective

dra·​co·​ni·​an drā-ˈkō-nē-ən 

drə-

often capitalized

1

law : of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him

2

: cruel

also : severe

draconian littering fines

Did you know?

Draconian comes from Draco, the name of a 7th-century B.C. Athenian legislator who created a written code of law. Draco's code was intended to clarify existing laws, but its severity is what made it really memorable. According to the code, even minor offenses were punishable by death, and failure to pay one's debts could result in slavery. Draconian, as a result, became associated with especially authoritative actions that are viewed as cruel or harsh.

Examples of draconian in a Sentence

The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease.

Recent Examples on the Web

Trump’s issuance of severe restrictions on public health agencies this week may signal such draconian moves by his appointees in the future. —Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

Meanwhile, millions of borrowers are stuck in a forced forbearance, while others remain in default and are about to experience the draconian collections powers of the federal government. —Adam S. Minsky, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Immigration advocates are especially concerned that Republicans will continue to push draconian enforcement bills under cover of isolated criminal incidents, forcing Democrats to take votes that could be spun as unsympathetic to individual victims of crime. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 8 Jan. 2025

Many see its actions as neocolonial, including its imposition of draconian conditions on trade and investment deals and its heavy-handed diplomacy across Africa, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. —Matias Spektor, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin Dracon-, Draco, from Greek Drakōn Draco (Athenian lawgiver)

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1