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

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

But that’s become much less certain, given the backlash against his draconian immigration enforcement policies; numerous polls show a significant falloff in Latino support for the president, which could hurt GOP candidates up and down the ballot. —Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

The family is known for murdering its own members, planning atrocities with wildfire, and generally unleashing a draconian rage on the commoners of Westeros. —James Grebey, Vulture, 23 Feb. 2026

Those draconian measures were never fully enforced. —Helen Regan, CNN Money, 21 Feb. 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

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