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

Australian social media restrictions outrage Australia’s lawmakers last week took the drastic step of banning (as of late next year) all social media use by under-16s, parental consent be damned. —David Meyer, Fortune, 2 Dec. 2024

Avoid extreme restriction: Rather than drastic cuts, make moderate adjustments to your calorie intake that are sustainable long term. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

This could be as drastic as a major move or as simple as a new regular nail polish. —Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Dec. 2024

The Biden administration in its twilight has taken drastic steps to reverse Ukraine's fortunes ahead of any potential negotiations. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 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