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Draconian comes from Drakōn, the name (later Latinized as Draco) of a 7th-century B.C. Athenian legislator who created a written code of law. Drakōn’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, is used especially for 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
However, this is not surprising on the heels of DOGE plans to cut up to 25% of the IRS staff including draconian cuts to the IRS’ Criminal Investigations unit which plays an essential role in combating drug and human trafficking, terrorism, tax crimes, financial crimes and money laundering.
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Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
China’s regulatory framework and especially its draconian rules regarding data transfers are anathema to foreign partners.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
Listen to this article As the stock market plunged in reaction to the draconian tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump — before the president backed down and the market soared — Congressman Jared Moskowitz was buying.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Last March, on International Women’s Day, the Center for Human Rights in Iran released a statement condemning the Islamic Republic’s draconian laws enforcing gender apartheid.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
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Steve Weisman, Forbes.com, 1 June 2025
China’s regulatory framework and especially its draconian rules regarding data transfers are anathema to foreign partners.
—Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025
Listen to this article As the stock market plunged in reaction to the draconian tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump — before the president backed down and the market soared — Congressman Jared Moskowitz was buying.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2025
Last March, on International Women’s Day, the Center for Human Rights in Iran released a statement condemning the Islamic Republic’s draconian laws enforcing gender apartheid.
—Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draconian. Accessed 9 Jun. 2025.
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