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.
Altamonte Springs, like municipal governments across Florida, faces the drastic loss of tax revenue if voters in November approve Amendment 3, which will cut homeowners’ propety tax bills and, therefore, local collections. — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026 New pitches and drastic mechanical changes are likelier to be handled in the offseason. — Dan Hayes, New York Times, 22 Aug. 2026 While the Leapmotor partnership is a bright spot, many believe more drastic measures are needed to survive the rapidly changing auto market. — Neil Winton, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Under the drastic political changes, the alliance was among dozens of civil society groups dissolved. — Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 21 Aug. 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 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

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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