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

That could spark draconian cuts to how much drinking water is available for millions of people and imperil farms 500 miles away in California's Imperial Valley. — Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 17 Aug. 2026

Americans kept lighting up, though, even after draconian federal and state anti-drug laws were enacted during the 1990s. — Bob Woods, CNBC, 15 Aug. 2026

Yet even in these draconian conditions, Afghan women have continued to fight for their rights, meeting the Taliban’s repression with extraordinary acts of courage. — Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Ali Riaz, a professor of political science at Illinois State University, said the uprising was a response to Hasina's decades-long draconian rule. — Shamim Chowdhury, NPR, 5 Aug. 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

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

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