sedative

1 of 2

adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈse-də-tiv 

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

sedative

2 of 2

noun

: a sedative agent or drug

Synonyms of sedative

Adjective

• relaxing
• tranquilizing
• soothing
• comforting
• hypnotic

Examples of sedative in a Sentence

Adjective

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

Noun

The patient was given a powerful sedative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Chamomile tea contains apigenin, which binds to GABA receptors producing a mild sedative effect. —Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Apr. 2026

Prescription medicines used to treat anxiety, including benzodiazepines, are also flagged due to their sedative effects. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

Noun

All Florida executions are carried out by injecting a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections. —David Fischer, Sun Sentinel, 21 Apr. 2026

All Florida executions are by lethal injection using a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the Department of Corrections. —Cbs Miami Team, CBS News, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

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

First Known Use

Adjective

1779, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1797, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈsed-ət-iv 

: tending to calm or to ease tension

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative medicine

Medical Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈsed-ət-iv 

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

sedative effects of anesthetics and analgesics

—Linda C. Haynes et al.

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative agent or drug