English · Word Candidate

drastic

/ˈdɹæs.tɪk/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: drastics

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Having a strong or far-reaching effect; extreme, severe.

Adjective

Examples

If our third attempt fails, we may need drastic ideas.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Acting rapidly or violently.

Adjective

Examples

Great statesmen err, and why not small medical men? Mr. Wrench did not neglect sending the usual white parcels, which this time had black and drastic contents. Their effect was not alleviating to poor Fred [...]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

A powerful, fast-acting purgative medicine.

Noun

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “drastic” mean?

Having a strong or far-reaching effect; extreme, severe.

Is “drastic” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.