Question

Procrustean (adjective)

Accepted Answer

Tending to produce conformity by arbitrary, ruthless, or violent means.

Even though the student’s poem unanimously won the all-county writing contest, the procrustean English teacher gave her an F for failing to dot the i in her name.

Greek mythology, Procrustes was a mythical bandit of Attica who would waylay hapless travelers and attempt to fit them to his iron bed. If travelers were too long for the bed, he’d cut off their feet. If they were too short, he’d stretch them out.

Travelers He’d Procrustean Adjective Tending Produce Conformity Arbitrary