drastic

comparative more drastic · superlative most drastic · alternative drastick

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

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

   2 more examples

   Mister Crowley, won't you ride my white horse? Mister Crowley, it's symbolic of course Approaching a time that is classic I hear that maiden's call Approaching a time that is drastic Standing with their backs to the wall

   1981, Ozzy Osbourne, “Mr. Crowley”, in Blizzard of Ozz, performed by Ozzy Osbourne

   Seeing the British establishment struggle with the financial sector is like watching an alcoholic who still resists the idea that something drastic needs to happen for him to turn his life around.

   2013 June 28, Joris Luyendijk, “Our banks are out of control”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 189, number 3, page 21

   Synonyms: draconian

2. Orig. of medicineActing rapidly or violently.

   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 [...]

   1871-72, George Eliot, Middlemarch

plural drastics · alternative drastick

1. A powerful, fast-acting purgative medicine.