draconian
Meaning: Excessively harsh and severe, especially of laws, punishments, or measures.
Draconian is used to criticise laws, rules, punishments, or policies that are disproportionately severe. It is always negative, implying that the measures go far beyond what is necessary or fair. It is common in political commentary, journalism, and human rights discourse. It collocates with 'measures,' 'laws,' 'punishments,' 'restrictions,' 'penalties,' and 'cuts.'
Examples
- Civil liberties groups condemned the draconian measures introduced under the new security legislation. 公民自由团体谴责了新安全立法下引入的严苛措施。Las organizaciones de libertades civiles condenaron las draconianas medidas introducidas por la nueva legislación de seguridad.市民的自由を擁護する団体は、新しい治安法の下で導入された厳格な措置を非難しました。시민자유 단체들은 새로운 치안 법안에 따라 도입된 가혹한 조치를 규탄했다.
- The draconian penalties for minor offences drew widespread criticism from legal professionals. 对轻微违法行为施加的严厉惩罚引起了法律界人士的广泛批评。Las draconianas sanciones por infracciones menores suscitaron amplias críticas de los profesionales del derecho.軽微な違反に対する過酷な罰則は、法律の専門家から広範な批判を受けました。경미한 범죄에 대한 가혹한 처벌은 법률 전문가들로부터 광범위한 비판을 받았다.
- Staff described the new attendance policy as draconian, with dismissal after just three absences. 员工们形容新的出勤政策是严酷的,仅三次缺勤就面临被解雇。El personal calificó la nueva política de asistencia de draconiana, con despido tras solo tres ausencias.従業員たちは新しい出勤管理方針を厳格すぎると評し、わずか3回の欠勤で解雇されると述べました。직원들은 겨우 세 번 결근하면 해고되는 새로운 출근 정책을 지나치게 가혹하다고 평했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: media, academic, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Draco, an Athenian lawgiver of the 7th century BC whose legal code prescribed death for nearly all offences. The adjective entered English in the late 18th century and is almost always lowercase in modern usage.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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