I. ˈdrastik, -aas-, -ais-, -tēk sometimes -ȧs- adjective
Etymology: Greek drastikos, from (assumed) drastos (verbal of dran to do, act) + -ikos -ic
1. : acting rapidly and violently — used chiefly of purgatives
2.
a. : acting with violence or harshness : extreme or radical in effect : rigorous
drastic measures
drastic repressive laws
b. : notably severe or vigorous
drastic alterations in the national economy
a drastic wave of pain
• dras·ti·cal·ly -tə̇k(ə)lē, -tēk-, -li adverb
II. noun
( -s )
: a powerful medicinal agent ; especially : a strong purgative