sedative

¹sed·a·tive

adj \ˈse-də-tiv\

Definition of SEDATIVE

: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

Examples of SEDATIVE

1. <some people find a glass of wine to be a civilized and sedative addition to an evening meal>

Origin of SEDATIVE

Middle English, alleviating pain, from Middle French sedatif, from Medieval Latin sedativus, from Latin sedatus

First Known Use: 1779

Related to SEDATIVE

Synonyms: calming, comforting, dreamy, lulling, narcotic, pacifying, quieting, relaxing, soothing, tranquilizing (also tranquillizing)

Related Words: hypnotic, opiate; analgesic, anesthetic, anodyne, deadening, depressant, numbing; antianxiety, antidepressant, antidepression, antistress

Near Antonyms: painful, stressful, tiresome, troubling, trying, unsettling, worrisome; energizing, invigorating, stimulant, stimulating; aggravating, annoying, bothersome, disturbing, exasperating, frustrating, galling, grating, harassing, irksome, irritating, maddening, nettlesome, troublesome, vexatious, vexing

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Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific, spectrum