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

This redesign was a drastic departure from the capitalized, serif font the brand had always used. —Salim Gheewalla, Forbes, 13 Sep. 2024

That implies things in the economy aren’t so bad that the Fed will be forced to make a drastic cut. —Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2024

Last weekend, a drastic acceleration brought devastating consequences. —Laura Paddison, CNN, 7 Sep. 2024

Outdoor workers, older people, young children, and those who are sick or unhoused are particularly vulnerable to the drastic temperatures. —Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 6 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek drastikos, from dran to do

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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