Drastic

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈdɹɑːs.tɪk/
• US IPA: /ˈdɹæs.tɪk/
• Rhymes: -æstɪk

Alternative forms

• drastick obsolete

Origin

Ancient Greek δραστικός (drastikos, "active, efficient"), from δρᾶσις (drasis, "strength, efficacy"), itself from δράω (drao, "to do")

Full definition of drastic

Adjective

1. Extreme; severe.
• 2013-06-28, Joris Luyendijk, Our banks are out of control, Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic who still resists the idea that something drastic needs to happen for him to turn his life around.
2. If our third attempt fails, we may need drastic ideas.
3. Acting rapidly or violently.