adj
draconian
druh-KOH-nee-uhn
Draconian (adj) means Extremely harsh or severe, especially regarding laws or punishment. Example: “The regime introduced draconian restrictions on free speech.”
adj
1
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 notesIn 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
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Word forms
- Plural
- draconians
- Comparative
- more draconian
- Superlative
- most draconian
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The regime introduced _____ restrictions on free speech.
Etymology
Named after Draco, an ancient Athenian lawmaker famous for punishing even minor offences with death.
Related words
Rhymes for draconian
See all rhymes for draconian →Frequently asked questions
What does “draconian” mean?
The word “draconian” means extremely harsh or severe, especially regarding laws or punishment. In plain terms, so strict and severe that it feels unfairly harsh — usually said about laws, rules, or punishments.
How do you pronounce “draconian”?
“Draconian” is pronounced druh-KOH-nee-uhn (/dɹəˈkoʊ.ni.ən/ in IPA).
How do you use “draconian” in a sentence?
Here is “draconian” used in a sentence: “The regime introduced draconian restrictions on free speech.”
What part of speech is “draconian”?
“Draconian” is an adjective.
