draconiandra‧co‧ni‧an /drəˈkəʊniən $ -ˈkoʊ-/ adjective 
draconian measures to control population growth
WORD ORIGINdraconian
Origin:
1800-1900 Greek Drakon ‘Draco’, ancient Greek judge who had criminals killed for very small crimesEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Draconian measures have been implemented to control population growth.
- The government has imposed draconian penalties for anyone found in possession of illegal drugs.
- A possible alternative to the draconian consequences of decertification is extending the probationary waiver another year, officials say.
- It is an interesting speculation whether the reintroduction of such draconian legislation might reduce more recent economic problems.
- No doubt there are scenarios where such draconian measures are justified.
- The argument of all crackdown law is that it applies special, draconian measures to tackle some heinous crime.
- The former, which is more draconian, may reflect the longer term perceived treatment needs of the men.
- The measure is not as draconian as it sounds.
Longman Language Activatorrules/laws/systems
strict rules, laws, etc are very clear and must always be obeyed: · There are strict rules about the use of dangerous chemicals.· He had strict instructions to return the key to me.
tough laws or rules are very strict and do not allow much freedom: · The federal government is introducing tough new rules to control immigration.· Opposition leaders are demanding tougher laws against drinking and driving.
a harsh law or system of government has strict rules and severe punishments - use this about something that you think is unfair and too strict: · The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities.· a harsh military regime
controlled very strictly by rules that have very high standards: stringent controls/measures/regulations etc: · There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.· stringent air safety regulations
rigid systems or rules are very strict and difficult to change: · He built the team through hard training and rigid discipline.· It is not possible to lay down rigid rules on sentencing - judges must be free to use their discretion.
tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: · The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of cigarettes.· Laws controlling the emission of greenhouse gases are not nearly tight enough.
formal: draconian laws/measures/penalties etc laws or punishments that are extremely strict or cruel: · The government has imposed draconian penalties for anyone found in possession of illegal drugs.· Draconian measures have been implemented to control population growth.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY draconian measures to control population growthCOLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
very strict and crueldraconian measures/controls/penalties etc draconian measures to control population growth· At no time, however, did they use such draconian measures to stifle dissent.· Becasue of these draconian measures, Park was increasingly cut off from normal human contacts.· The argument of all crackdown law is that it applies special, draconian measures to tackle some heinous crime.· No doubt there are scenarios where such draconian measures are justified.· To some, this situation cries out for draconian measures to inject more competition.
draconian measures to control population growth