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draconian

adjective

/drəˈkəʊnɪən/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of draconian

Excessively severe or harsh, often in relation to laws or regulations.
"To tackle the crime wave, the mayor proposed draconian penalties for minor offenses."

Detailed meaning of draconian

The term comes from the ancient Greek lawgiver Draco, whose legal code was known for its harshness and severity, including the death penalty for many offenses. Draconian laws or policies are characterized by their strictness and the severe penalties they impose, often considered unjust and oppressive. They are often used to suppress dissent or opposition, and can lead to human rights violations. The term can also be used to describe any situation or action that is excessively harsh or oppressive. In short, Draconian refers to something that is excessively severe, harsh, or oppressive, particularly in relation to laws or regulations, and often considered unjust or in violation of human rights.

Example sentences containing draconian

1. The government's draconian measures to curb the protests were criticized by human rights groups.
2. The company faced backlash for its draconian policies on employee breaks.
3. Critics argued that the new law was draconian and would unfairly target marginalized communities.
4. The school's draconian dress code was considered outdated and overly restrictive by many students.
5. To tackle the crime wave, the mayor proposed draconian penalties for minor offenses.
6. Many activists believe that the draconian drug laws have contributed to prison overpopulation.

History and etymology of draconian

The adjective 'draconian' finds its etymology in the ancient Greek lawmaker Draco, who lived in Athens during the 7th century BCE. Draco is primarily known for his severe legal code, which prescribed harsh and unforgiving punishments for a wide range of offenses. His laws were so notorious for their severity that they gave rise to the term 'draconian' in English, which came to signify any law, regulation, or action that is excessively severe or harsh. Thus, when we describe something as 'draconian' today, we are drawing on this historical reference to highlight its oppressive or stringent nature, often in the context of laws and regulations.

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Further usage examples of draconian

1. The regime's draconian censorship of the media kept the population uninformed about world events.
2. The coach’s draconian training schedule left no room for rest or personal time.
3. In an attempt to improve security, the airport implemented draconian checks that significantly slowed down processing times.
4. During the financial crisis, the government had to impose draconian austerity measures.
5. The union fought against the draconian working conditions imposed by the factory owners.
6. Citizens were outraged by the draconian taxes imposed without any representation in the government.
7. The draconian measures included severe restrictions on freedom of assembly and speech.
8. The software company's draconian licensing agreement severely limited what users could do with the product.
9. The novel portrayed a dystopian society under the rule of a draconian government that controlled every aspect of life.
10. The government's draconian measures restricted personal freedoms during the crisis.
11. The company implemented draconian cost-cutting measures, leading to layoffs.
12. Critics argue that the new tax law is too draconian and will hurt the middle class.
13. The principal's draconian discipline policies angered students and parents.
14. Under the new regime, draconian censorship limited freedom of speech.
15. Some countries have imposed draconian penalties for wildlife poaching.
16. The landlord's draconian rules left tenants feeling powerless.
17. The coach's draconian training regimen pushed athletes to their limits.
18. The school's draconian dress code faced protests from students.
19. The dictator imposed draconian punishments for political dissent.
20. The company faced backlash for its draconian non-compete agreements.
21. The judge's draconian sentencing shocked the courtroom.
22. Critics called the immigration policy draconian and inhumane.
23. The university's draconian grading curve frustrated students.
24. The manager's draconian policies created a hostile work environment.