drastic, a. (n.)
(ˈdræstɪk)
[mod. ad. Gr. δραστικ-ός active, efficacious, f. δραστός, vbl. adj. of δρᾶν to do: cf. F. drastique (1741).]
1. Med. Of medicines: Acting with force or violence, vigorous; esp. acting strongly upon the intestines.
| a 1691 Boyle Wks. II. 190 (R.) After this single taking of the drastick medicine had done working. 1789 W. Buchan Dom. Med. (1790) 213 All strong or drastic purgatives are to be carefully avoided. 1836 Johnsoniana i. 24 His friend had prescribed palliative not drastic remedies. |
2. transf. Vigorously effective; violent.
| 1808 Bentham Sc. Reform 27 In consideration of their too extensive and too drastic efficacy. 1848 Mill Pol. Econ. I. 274 Occasions..in which so drastic a measure would be fit to be taken into serious consideration. 1880 M{supc}Carthy Own Times IV. lxiii. 424 Very comprehensive or drastic schemes. |
B. n. A drastic medicine; a severe purgative.
| 1783 F. Michaelis in Med. Commun. I. 318 Large quantities of the pills..acting as a drastic. 1863 Reade in All Year Round 3 Oct. 125/1 For want of drastics and opiates. |