What does procrustean mean?

Procrustean means enforcing an arbitrary standard. Forcing conformity by violent or arbitrary means. Taking no account of individual differences but cruelly and mercilessly making everything the same with disregard for individuality.

This adjective characterizing pointless or ruthless demand for conformity owes its meaning to a son of the Greek god Poseidon: Procrustes, one of many villains defeated by the Greek hero Theseus, who stretched his guests or cut off their legs in order to make them fit his bed. According to Greek mythology, Procrustes was a robber who killed his victims in a most cruel and unusual way. He made them lie on an iron bed and would force them to fit the bed by cutting off the parts that hung off the ends or by stretching those people who were too short.

The word Procrustean is perfect for describing a person or institution that forces people to conform. Tyrannical governments can be Procrustean, as can certain clubs and organizations.

A frustrated and well-spoken high school student might accuse his school of using Procrustean means to force all students to fit one particular educational mold.