draconian

adjective

dra·co·ni·an drā-ˈkō-nē-ən

drə-

often capitalized

Synonyms of draconian

law : of, relating to, or characteristic of Draco or the severe code of laws held to have been framed by him

: cruel

also : severe

draconian littering fines

Did you know?

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Under the framework, Hong Kong was promised a large degree of legal and economic autonomy—a commitment Beijing was accused of reneging on through its crackdown on democracy and adoption of the draconian National Security Law in 2020. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025 In that case, legislative leaders weren’t fighting over draconian legislation that hit hardest at students who were brought to this country as children. —Krys Fluker, Orlando Sentinel, 6 Mar. 2025 Demographers often worry that indulging in sci-fi speculation might inadvertently prompt governments to adopt draconian measures. —Gideon Lewis-Kraus, The New Yorker, 24 Feb. 2025 Some couples go to Bora Bora on their honeymoons, and some travel to more draconian destinations, where relaxation seems unlikely and silly crimes incur capital punishment. —Peter Debruge, Variety, 25 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for draconian