每日一词学英语(56): draconian

古希腊有个制定严酷刑律的立法者叫Draco，今天这个词就是由他而来，意思是very severe, oppressive or strict (Wiktionary)。

MPs face draconian new sanctions which could result in criminal prosecutions for misdemeanours under new legalisation being rushed through Parliament. 按照新立法，陷入“报销门”的违规议员面临严厉制裁，可能是刑事起诉。(From Times Online, June 23, 2009: MPs face draconian criminal sanctions on expenses)

Wiktionary上有几个例句：
The despot chose a draconian punishment.
The Nazi regime was draconian.
The mayor announced draconian budget cuts today.
“Draconian budget cuts”金山词霸译为“大幅度的削减预算”。