adj

draconian

druh-KOH-nee-uhn

adj

Extremely harsh or severe, especially regarding laws or punishment.

"The regime introduced draconian restrictions on free speech."

"Critics called the new sentencing rules draconian."

How to Use Draconian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSo strict and severe that it feels unfairly harsh — usually said about laws, rules, or punishments.

Common mistake

Often capitalised as "Draconian" when directly referring to the historical lawgiver Draco, lowercase "draconian" in general use.

Common pairings

draconian measures draconian laws draconian punishment

more draconian comparative, more draconian comparative, draconians plural, most draconian superlative, most draconian superlative

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The regime introduced _____ restrictions on free speech.

Named after Draco, an ancient Athenian lawmaker famous for punishing even minor offences with death.

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