drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdra-stik 

1

: acting rapidly or violently

a drastic purgative

2

: extreme in effect or action : severe

drastic measures

made drastic changes

Examples of drastic in a Sentence

The situation calls for drastic measures.

Maybe we should try something less drastic first.

Recent Examples on the Web

The United States is in the grips of one of the most drastic reversals of green energy infrastructure currently underway on our increasingly warm world. — Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 9 July 2026

Political scientists urge caution when interpreting Gallup’s findings, noting that other polls have not observed the same drastic increase in young men’s religiosity. — Chantelle Lee, Time, 9 July 2026

Invasive mussels and toxic algae Invasive quagga mussels were first spotted in the Snake River in 2023, and drastic measures were taken to stop their spread. — Hannah Smith updated July 8, Idaho Statesman, 8 July 2026

While some analysts warn of an existential threat, others argue VW remains profitable, recalling past crises where drastic structural changes were avoided. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin drāsticus, borrowed from Greek drāstikós "active, energetic, (of medication) acting rapidly," from drāst-, stem of drā́stēs "doer, performer" (from drā-, variant stem of dráō, drân "to do, perform" + -tēs, agentive suffix, with analogical -s-) + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at drama

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for drastic

• clastic
• mastic
• plastic
• spastic
• aeroelastic
• ecclesiastic
• elastoplastic
• enthusiastic
• iconoclastic
• interscholastic
• megaloblastic
• osteoblastic

Kids Definition

drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdras-tik 

1

: acting rapidly or violently

2

: severe in effect : harsh

had to take drastic measures

drastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

drastic

1 of 2 adjective

dras·​tic ˈdras-tik 

: acting rapidly or violently

—used chiefly of purgatives

drastically

-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

drastic

2 of 2 noun

: a powerful medicinal agent

especially : a strong purgative