draconian — extremely harsh or severe, especially in laws or rules
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: extremely harsh or severe, especially in laws or rules
Pronunciation (IPA): /drəˈkoʊniən/
Example Sentences
- My mom's draconian curfew rule means I have to be home by 9 PM even on weekends!
- The teacher's draconian grading policy deducts 10 points for every minute you're late to class.
- The government imposed draconian lockdown measures during the pandemic.
draconian
ADJECTIVE[/drəˈkoʊniən/]
extremely harsh or severe, especially in laws or rules
a severe-looking judge in dark robes points dramatically at a cowering prisoner while holding an enormous gavel. The judge's face shows no mercy as he delivers what appears to be an extremely harsh sentence. The small prisoner kneels with chains around his wrists, looking terrified at the punishment. Guards in heavy armor stand rigidly nearby, ready to enforce the brutal judgment. Other prisoners in the background cower in fear, knowing the same fate awaits them. extremely harsh and severe punishment being imposed without mercy
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Draco, an ancient Greek lawmaker of Athens in the 7th century BC who created extremely harsh laws where even minor crimes like stealing vegetables were punishable by death.
Breakdown
Draco (Greek lawmaker's name) + -ian (relating to/characteristic of) = having the quality of Draco's severe laws
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's draconian curfew rule means I have to be home by 9 PM even on weekends!”
“The teacher's draconian grading policy deducts 10 points for every minute you're late to class.”
“The government imposed draconian lockdown measures during the pandemic.”
“The company's draconian budget cuts eliminated the free coffee in the break room - now that's truly harsh!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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