drastic

dras·tic

adjective \ˈdras-tik\

: extreme in effect or action : severe or serious

Full Definition of DRASTIC

1

:  acting rapidly or violently <a drastic purgative>

2

:  extreme in effect or action :  severe <drastic measures>

— dras·ti·cal·ly \-ti-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

Examples of DRASTIC

1. The situation calls for drastic measures.
2. Maybe we should try something less drastic first.

Origin of DRASTIC

Greek drastikos, from dran to do

First Known Use: circa 1691

Rhymes with DRASTIC

mastic, nastic, plastic, spastic