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

Whether this drastic change occurs in your career, financial state, love circles, or all of the above, just know that the cards show you are being guided in the right direction. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Nov. 2024

The drastic fall in temperatures comes as a cold front pushes through the region, weather service meteorologist Isaac Smith said. —Lauren De Young, The Arizona Republic, 28 Oct. 2024

Market attention is focused on which party dominates Congress as a result of the U.S. election, given that a sweep by Republicans or Democrats could contribute to drastic spending changes or a big revamp of tax policy. —Karen Gilchrist,sophie Kiderlin,holly Ellyatt, CNBC, 5 Nov. 2024

That throws off the rhythm of contractions and can eventually lead to heart failure, which is fatal without drastic intervention like a transplant. —Michael Irving, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2024

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