Draconian

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /drəˈkəʊ.ni.É™n/, /drækˈəʊ.ni.É™n/
• US enPR: drÉ™-kō'ni-É™n, IPA: /drəˈkoÊŠ.ni.É™n/
• Rhymes: -əʊniÉ™n

From the Athenian lawmaker Draco (lawgiver), known for making harsh laws.

Full definition of draconian

Adjective

1. Very severe, oppressive or strict.The Soviet regime was draconian.The mayor announced draconian budget cuts today.
• 2009, Stuart Macintyre, A Concise History of Australia, page 125The conflict in the countryside resulted in a far more draconian punishment. The Southern Cross flag flew over the camps of striking shearers, who in revenge for their victimisation burned grass, fences, buildings and even riverboats...

Synonyms

• (very severe) cruel, hard, harsh, oppressive, rigid, strict, stringent

From Latin draco ("dragon").

Adjective

1. (obsolete, except in fiction) Of or resembling a dragon
• The dragon came low to the earth. It defied every image of a draconian being Kulp had ever seen.
• 2009, Jacob Silvia, Qhoenix, page 73A large sandwyrm (which isn't to be confused with a sandworm) popped its draconian head from the earth.

Synonyms

• (resembling a dragon) draconic, dragonlike

Anagrams

• Conradian