drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdra-stik How to pronounce drastic (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While growing up in Chicago, Gallego's middle class life took a drastic and unexpected downturn when his father, who had a fairly successful contracting business, abandoned the family for a life of drug dealing. Diane Herbst, People.com, 17 Dec. 2024 Others, including President-elect Donald Trump, have called for more drastic measures. Stephan Pechdimaldji, Newsweek, 15 Dec. 2024 However, things take a drastic turn for the worse when they get invited into the home of Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant) with the promise of blueberry pie and potential religious conversion. Rudie Obias, The Hollywood Reporter, 10 Dec. 2024 Big career transformations don’t always require bold moves or drastic changes. Q Hamirani, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for drastic 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of drastic was circa 1691

Dictionary Entries Near drastic

Cite this Entry

“Drastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drastic. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

drastic

adjective
dras·​tic ˈdras-tik How to pronounce drastic (audio)
1
: acting rapidly or violently
2
: severe in effect : harsh
had to take drastic measures
drastically adverb

Medical Definition

drastic

1 of 2 adjective
dras·​tic ˈdras-tik How to pronounce drastic (audio)
: acting rapidly or violently
used chiefly of purgatives
drastically adverb

drastic

2 of 2 noun
: a powerful medicinal agent
especially : a strong purgative

More from Merriam-Webster on drastic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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