Draconian Meaning in English

word

US

dɹeɪˈkoʊniən/, /dɹəˈkoʊniən

dray-KOH-nee-uhn or druh-KOH-nee-uhn

UK

dɹækˈəʊniən

drak-OH-nee-uhn

Definition

Describes laws, rules, or measures that are extremely strict or harsh.

Usage & Nuances

Formal and often used when criticizing excessive government actions or harsh rules. Common with 'laws', 'measures', and 'punishments'. It derives from Draco, an ancient Athenian lawmaker known for severity.

• Spanish: draconiano - muy severo
• Portuguese (BR): draconiano - rigoroso (no sentido de lei ou regra muito rígida)
• Portuguese (PT): draconiano - muito severo
• Chinese (Simplified): 严厉的 - 严苛的
• Chinese (Traditional): 嚴厲的 - 嚴苛的
• Hindi: अत्यंत कठोर - ड्रैकनियन
• Arabic: شديد القسوة - صارم للغاية
• Bengali: অত্যন্ত কঠোর - নির্মম - ড্রাকোনীয়
• Russian: драконовский - чрезмерно строгий
• Japanese: 非常に厳しい - ドラコニアン
• Vietnamese: hà khắc - nghiêm khắc tàn nhẫn
• Korean: 가혹한 - 아주 엄격한
• Turkish: çok sert - acımasız - drakonik
• Urdu: انتہائی سخت - ظالمانہ
• Indonesian: kejam - sangat ketat

Example Sentences

The new tax rules are draconian.

basic

That was a draconian punishment for a small mistake.

basic

Many people protested the draconian laws.

basic

Her boss's draconian dress code made everyone uncomfortable.

natural

The curfew was so draconian that hardly anyone dared to go out after dark.

natural

Some think these new school policies are just too draconian to be fair.

natural