draconian

adjective

dra·​co·​ni·​an drā-ˈkō-nē-ən 

drə-

variants often Draconian

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

People are sending brutal, draconian thank-you cards? —Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2026

Lai’s daughter, Claire Lai, told CNN’s Jim Sciutto that Monday’s verdict was expected but devastating, calling the national security law extremely vague, draconian and arbitrary. —Katrina Samaan, CNN Money, 17 Dec. 2025

And those folks have literally seen their labor and delivery unit close in recent years because of these draconian cuts to health care. —NBC news, 14 Dec. 2025

Walz also defended his COVID policies that critics branded as draconian, leading to multiple — and ultimately unsuccessful — lawsuits, including over mask mandates. —Stephen Swanson, CBS News, 12 Dec. 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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