draconian

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Pronunciation 1.2 Etymology 1 1.2.1 Adjective 1.2.1.1 Synonyms 1.2.1.2 Translations 1.3 Etymology 2 1.3.1 Adjective 1.3.1.1 Synonyms 1.3.1.2 Translations 1.4 Anagrams

[edit] English

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /drəˈkəʊ.ni.ən/, /drækˈəʊ.ni.ən/, SAMPA: /dr@"k@U.ni.@n/, /dr{k"@U.ni.@n/
• (US) enPR: drə-kō'ni-ən, IPA: /drəˈkoʊ.ni.ən/, SAMPA: /dr@"koU.ni.@n/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -əʊniən

[edit] Etymology 1

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

[edit] Adjective

draconian (comparative more draconian, superlative most draconian)

1. Very severe, oppressive or strict.

   The despot chose a draconian punishment.

   The Nazi regime was draconian.

   The mayor announced draconian budget cuts today.

[edit] Synonyms

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

[edit] Translations

[edit] Etymology 2

From Latin draco (“‘dragon’”)

[edit] Adjective

draconian (comparative more draconian, superlative most draconian)

1. (obsolete, except in fiction) Of or resembling a dragon
   • 2006, Steven Erikson, Deadhouse Gates, Book Two, ISBN 0765348799, page 384:

     The dragon came low to the earth. It defied every image of a draconian being Kulp had ever seen.

[edit] Synonyms

• (resembling a dragon): draconic, dragonlike

[edit] Translations

[edit] Anagrams

• Alphagram: aacdinnor
• Conradian