draconian

adjective

dra·co·ni·an drā-ˈkō-nē-ən

drə-

often capitalized

Synonyms of draconian next

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

: 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 Rather than a draconian $15 daily charge, there should be lower charges throughout the entire city, perhaps the cost of a subway ride, so that everybody participates in funding improvements that everyone enjoys for the greater good. —

Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 26 June 2024 Politicians across the South are sure to react with ever more draconian laws and policies aimed at forestalling unionization. —

Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2024 During Apollo, mass restrictions were so draconian that the Lunar Module could carry two astronauts, their spacesuits, some food, and just 300 pounds (136 kg) of scientific payload down to the lunar surface. —

Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 25 Apr. 2024 Trump’s draconian legacy on immigration will be hard to expunge. —

Steven Dudley, Foreign Affairs, 10 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for draconian

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'draconian.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.