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 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

Putin’s increasingly nationalist, arguably draconian governing style has made the country downright hostile for non-Russians. —Ilan Berman, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2025

That measure, which polls say is very unpopular with voters, enacted draconian cuts to health care spending to bankroll tax cuts for the wealthy and big corporations. —Dave Goldiner, New York Daily News, 4 Aug. 2025

When rich guys sprayed money at college football players through hoses of cash, brazenly ignoring the NCAA’s bloated rule book and draconian enforcement of its regulations about amateurism. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 July 2025

Opting to use draconian eye shadow was a no-brainer for Freedman and Zeta-Jones. —Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 30 July 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for draconian

• baconian
• devonian
• estonian
• hasmonean
• newtonian
• pannonian
• senonian
• amazonian
• babylonian
• hamiltonian
• parkinsonian

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