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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
Draconian pandemic lockdowns forced expat families to pack up and leave, emptying international schools.
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Andy Browne, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Comments can be revealing, especially in societies that are closed and authoritarian in nature where media access to public information is limited by draconian laws and freedom of expression curtailed.
—Shepherd Mpofu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
However, invoking these deaths as justification for more draconian state intervention is misguided and dangerous.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
The draconian rule of law under Pinochet also thwarted the young director’s cinematic ambitions.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Apr. 2026
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Andy Browne, semafor.com, 28 Apr. 2026
Comments can be revealing, especially in societies that are closed and authoritarian in nature where media access to public information is limited by draconian laws and freedom of expression curtailed.
—Shepherd Mpofu, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Apr. 2026
However, invoking these deaths as justification for more draconian state intervention is misguided and dangerous.
—Chicago Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
The draconian rule of law under Pinochet also thwarted the young director’s cinematic ambitions.
—Christopher Vourlias, Variety, 22 Apr. 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 4 May. 2026.
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