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

In 2018, meanwhile, the mother-of-four showed off one of her most drastic looks, using prosthetics to transform herself into Fiona from Shrek. —Vogue, 18 Oct. 2024

Traders who’d been hoping for more drastic stimulus measures punished the property sector, sending China’s CSI 300 Real Estate Index plunging 7.85% on the day. —Ian Mount, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2024

Since Grover’s is so small, boasting a population of less than 3,000, nothing too drastic happens to its infrastructure. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024

Israel is weighing up its response to Iran's ballistic missile attack, with the Islamic Republic's nuclear facilities emerging as a potential target for a more drastic response. —NBC News, 9 Oct. 2024

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

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