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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
In 2025, Russia asked that Apple remove 1,213 apps—many of these VPN apps designed to thwart the country’s draconian Internet censorship.
—
Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
The penalties look even more draconian when compared with those for people who stormed the Capitol on January 6.
—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2026
Afghan Taliban authorities have imposed draconian restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education beyond primary school and on working in all but very few professions, as well as strict regulations on what women are allowed to wear in public.
—
ABC News,
23 June 2026
Policymakers defend draconian cuts to Medicaid by maligning the work ethic or honesty of low-income women, despite substantial evidence to the contrary.
—
Jocelyn Frye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for draconian
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Nate Anderson,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2026
The penalties look even more draconian when compared with those for people who stormed the Capitol on January 6.
—
David A. Graham,
The Atlantic,
25 June 2026
Afghan Taliban authorities have imposed draconian restrictions on women and girls, including bans on education beyond primary school and on working in all but very few professions, as well as strict regulations on what women are allowed to wear in public.
—
ABC News,
23 June 2026
Policymakers defend draconian cuts to Medicaid by maligning the work ethic or honesty of low-income women, despite substantial evidence to the contrary.
—
Jocelyn Frye,
The Orlando Sentinel,
19 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for draconian
Cite this Entry
“Draconian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/draconian. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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