Words / C1

dr-uh-KOHN-ee-uh-n/drəˈkəʊniən/

Draconian means extremely harsh or severe, especially of a law or penalty: draconian cuts, draconian rules. Harsh is everyday; “discipline” is not a named night on the rota.

Meaning

Extremely harsh or severe, especially of a law or penalty.

Examples

• “A draconian cut to nights is a cover failure, not “discipline”.”
• “Harsh is everyday. Severe is the close twin. Discipline is a slogan. A gap on the grid is evidence. Staff the night, or close the sitting; do not baptise the hole as order.”

Good to know

Extremely harsh (of a rule). Everyday: harsh. “Discipline” ≠ night cover.

Near in meaning

harsh, severe, punitive

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