drastic

adjective

dras·​tic ˈdra-stik How to pronounce drastic (audio)
1
: acting rapidly or violently
a drastic purgative
2
: extreme in effect or action : severe
drastic measures
made drastic changes

Examples of drastic in a Sentence

The situation calls for drastic measures. Maybe we should try something less drastic first.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Observers say the case was significant to the city's freedom of association and it has been closely watched amid the city's drastic political changes following massive anti-government protests in 2019. — ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026 Observers say the case was significant to the city’s freedom of association and it has been closely watched amid the city’s drastic political changes following massive anti-government protests in 2019. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 3 Sep. 2026 That is a drastic decrease in public support for right-leaning competitors since 2022, when nearly three times as many candidates won their seats and the group spent thousands on over 50 Florida school board campaigns. — Trinity Webster-Bass, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2026 The people in the crosshairs The most drastic shifts impact those who plan to stay in Japan for the longest – those applying for permanent residency, a status that grants rights to work, unlimited entries, and infinite stay. — Christine Miyawaki, CNN Money, 3 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for drastic

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin drāsticus, borrowed from Greek drāstikós "active, energetic, (of medication) acting rapidly," from drāst-, stem of drā́stēs "doer, performer" (from drā-, variant stem of dráō, drân "to do, perform" + -tēs, agentive suffix, with analogical -s-) + -ikos -ic entry 1 — more at drama

First Known Use

circa 1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of drastic was circa 1691

Rhymes for drastic

See All Rhymes for drastic

Browse Nearby Words

drash
drastic
drastically
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Drastic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drastic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

drastic

adjective
dras·​tic ˈdras-tik How to pronounce drastic (audio)
1
: acting rapidly or violently
2
: severe in effect : harsh
had to take drastic measures
drastically
-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce drastic (audio)
adverb

Medical Definition

drastic

1 of 2 adjective
dras·​tic ˈdras-tik How to pronounce drastic (audio)
: acting rapidly or violently
—used chiefly of purgatives
drastically
-ti-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce drastic (audio)
adverb

drastic

2 of 2 noun
: a powerful medicinal agent
especially : a strong purgative
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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