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 film’s synopsis reads: As the world reaches peak negativity, our hero’s plot for peace backfires with drastic consequences. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2025

Wearables have experienced a drastic increase in popularity over the past few years, as more women, especially those in menopause, are seeking to take charge of their health. —Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 5 Aug. 2025

The Senate Committee on Appropriations recently voted against these drastic cuts — but a budget protecting science isn’t law yet. —Ari Geller, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Aug. 2025

As tensions rise, some Republicans believe a deal may still be within reach, and preferable to more drastic steps. —Samantha-Jo Roth, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2025

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