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

Even Trump’s draconian family separation policy, which was intended to curtail migration, failed in its goal: the year after it was introduced, apprehensions along the US‑Mexico border were 88 percent higher than the year before. —Ana Raquel Minian, TIME, 30 May 2024

Editors’ Picks China imposed a draconian national security law in Hong Kong in 2020, granting the authorities in the former British colony sweeping powers to crack down on dissent. —Megan Specia, New York Times, 27 May 2024

And for far too long, politicians have favored draconian policies that don’t actually reduce crime. —Baltimore Sun Media, Baltimore Sun, 11 Apr. 2024

To learn about privacy and self-control through guidance, not draconian restrictions? —Matt Brennan, Los Angeles Times, 22 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1775, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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