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

To be clear, Europe has plenty of strong universities and bright minds, but its draconian laws stifle its own growth. —Frank Holmes, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

This draconian ban impedes humanitarian efforts, prevents 100,000 Korean Americans from seeing their family and cuts off the only current avenue for people-to-people contact essential to peacemaking. —Christine Ahn, Chicago Tribune, 17 Oct. 2024

Hard-liners also now dominate the legislature and the judiciary, which is infamous for imposing draconian sentences, including death by hanging, for vague charges related to offending the theocracy or Islam. —Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024

But the initiative’s organizers say regulators don’t understand the adult industry, risking censorship, draconian measures, and misunderstandings. —Lydia Morrish, WIRED, 19 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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