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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.
Examples of draconian in a Sentence
The editorial criticizes the draconian measures being taken to control the spread of the disease.
Recent Examples on the Web
The letter objects to the space agency’s draconian budget and personnel cuts proposed by the White House.
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Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 July 2025
Yet, despite this clear success and urgent need, Washington, D.C., is debating draconian cuts to these vital programs in next year’s budget, even threatening to rescind funds already allocated for 2025.
—Olusimbo Ige, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
That step would most likely put it out of business and is almost never used because of its draconian consequences.
—Kff Health News, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
In both circumstances, the solution is not to lash out at AI or to institute draconian rules limiting the technology’s usage.
—Ulrich Boser, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
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Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 22 July 2025
Yet, despite this clear success and urgent need, Washington, D.C., is debating draconian cuts to these vital programs in next year’s budget, even threatening to rescind funds already allocated for 2025.
—Olusimbo Ige, Chicago Tribune, 21 July 2025
That step would most likely put it out of business and is almost never used because of its draconian consequences.
—Kff Health News, Oc Register, 17 July 2025
In both circumstances, the solution is not to lash out at AI or to institute draconian rules limiting the technology’s usage.
—Ulrich Boser, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draconian. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
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