depressant

noun

de·​pres·​sant di-ˈpre-sᵊnt 

dē-

: one that depresses

specifically : an agent that reduces a bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (such as appetite)

depressant adjective

Examples of depressant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

After being tested, authorities alleged Anders was impaired and under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants. —Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 14 Nov. 2025

The Slidell Police Department announced the arrest of Kristen Anders for vehicular homicide, with the department saying it was determined the 55-year-old was under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants at the time of the incident. —Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Nov. 2025

Barbiturates and benzodiazepines are depressants that have sedative and hypnotic effects, typically used to treat anxiety and seizures, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. —Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 29 Oct. 2025

During this period, doctors typically prescribed anti-depressants for her—or accused her of wanting drugs, like the stimulant Adderall. —Galina Espinoza, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1824, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for depressant

• fluorescent
• incessant
• putrescent
• quiescent
• senescent
• suppressant
• acquiescent
• adolescent
• arborescent
• coalescent
• convalescent
• deliquescent

Kids Definition

depressant

noun

de·​pres·​sant di-ˈpres-ᵊnt 

: a substance (as a drug) that reduces the activity of bodily systems

depressant adjective

Medical Definition

depressant

1 of 2 adjective

de·​pres·​sant -ᵊnt 

: tending to depress

especially : lowering or tending to lower functional or vital activity

a drug with a depressant effect on heart rate

depressant

2 of 2 noun

: one that depresses

specifically : an agent that reduces bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (as appetite)

a depressant of intestinal spasm