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

In 2020 with the start of the coronavirus pandemic, North Korea banned tourists, jetted out diplomats and severely curtailed border traffic in one of the world’s most draconian COVID-19 restrictions. —ABC News, 14 Mar. 2026

Churches had long viewed drug use as a moral failure and supported draconian measures—beliefs that many of the faithful shared. —Sheila Coronel, The Atlantic, 13 Mar. 2026

Iranian authorities enforce laws like compulsory dress codes through Draconian forms of punishment — harassment, arrests, imprisonment, and violence. —Miami Herald, 12 Mar. 2026

The ballot measure’s critics characterize it as a draconian solution in search of a problem. —Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 3 Mar. 2026

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

Podcast

Get Word of the Day delivered to your inbox!