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.
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These borrowers may soon be subject to draconian collections actions by the government including wage garnishment and the offset of Social Security payments and other federal income streams.—Adam S. Minsky, Forbes.com, 23 Apr. 2025 Owing to the draconian length of Timothy’s sentencing, and also to Rosemary’s newfound mediagenic powers, the vast majority of outlets sympathized with the Learys.—Susannah Cahalan, Rolling Stone, 17 Apr. 2025 Deep cuts to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the elimination of the Department of Education debilitate the nation's capacity to recover from such draconian, poverty-increasing measures.—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 In fact, jumping through so many hoops to avoid identifying trans people as such made the policy even more draconian, according to Reyes.—Samantha Riedel, Them, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for draconian
Word History
Etymology
Latin Dracon-, Draco, from Greek Drakōn Draco (Athenian lawgiver)
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