WORD OF THE DAY: DRACONIAN
adjective | dray-KOH-nee-un
What It Means
Draconian describes something (often a law, policy, restriction, etc.) that is very severe or cruel.
// The editorial criticises the draconian measures being taken by city hall to rein in spending.
Examples of DRACONIAN
“The auras that surround the Sharks and the Hawks are wildly distinct, even if the teams’ records are close to the same. To put it in Chicago terms, one team has the vibe of a Ferris Bueller (plays hooky, joins random parades, chicks dig him)—and the other is, I’m sorry to say, increasingly Principal Rooney–esque (grim faced, tightly wound, represents a draconian institution).” — Katie Baker, The Ringer, 15 Jan. 2025
Did You Know?
Draconian comes from Drakōn, the name (later Latinized as Draco) of a 7th-century B.C. Athenian legislator who created a written code of law. Drakōn’s code was intended to clarify existing laws, but its severity is what made it really memorable. According to the code, even minor offenses were punishable by death, and failure to pay one’s debts could result in slavery. Draconian, as a result, is used especially for authoritative actions that are viewed as cruel or harsh.
Merriam-Webster Dictionary
