draconian

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day on March 3, 2025, is "draconian." It's an adjective describing something extremely severe or cruel, often referring to laws or policies. The word originates from Draco, a 7th-century B.C. Athenian lawmaker. Draco's legal code, though aiming for clarity, was exceptionally harsh. Even minor infractions resulted in capital punishment under his code. Debt default led to enslavement under Draco's laws. The word "draconian" thus signifies excessively cruel or harsh actions. Modern usage highlights the severity and injustice associated with draconian measures. An example includes a critique of city hall's stringent spending cuts. The term evokes the memory of Draco's famously brutal legal system.