drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdra-stik 

1

: acting rapidly or violently

a drastic purgative

2

: extreme in effect or action : severe

drastic measures

made drastic changes

Examples of drastic in a Sentence

The situation calls for drastic measures.

Maybe we should try something less drastic first.

Recent Examples on the Web

Read more Woman gets drastic haircut, not prepared for boyfriend's reaction Why keeping one of dog's puppies was the best decision owner ever made Tips to ensure your heater keeps up with extreme cold still gripping the US Newsweek has contacted AppointmentAny5365 for comment via Reddit. —Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025

The study notes that overall infant mortality is down by 24% — which leaves experts to wonder what’s behind the drastic spike in SIDS. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 28 Jan. 2025

But in the 2024-2025 season, Paschal has manufactured a drastic season-to-season turnaround. —Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 Jan. 2025

Historically, there have been other comets that have undergone such a drastic transformation, notably the Great Southern Comet of 1887 and more recently, Comet Lovejoy in 2011. —Joe Rao, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin drāsticus, borrowed from Greek drāstikós "active, energetic, (of medication) acting rapidly," from drāst-, stem of drā́stēs "doer, performer" (from drā-, variant stem of dráō, drân "to do, perform" + -tēs, agentive suffix, with analogical -s-) + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at drama

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdras-tik 

1

: acting rapidly or violently

2

: severe in effect : harsh

had to take drastic measures

drastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

drastic

1 of 2 adjective

dras·​tic ˈdras-tik 

: acting rapidly or violently

—used chiefly of purgatives

drastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

drastic

2 of 2 noun

: a powerful medicinal agent

especially : a strong purgative