analgesic

1 of 2

noun

an·​al·​ge·​sic ˌa-nᵊl-ˈjē-zik 

-sik

: an agent producing diminished sensation to pain without loss of consciousness : a drug that is used to relieve pain and produce analgesia

opioid analgesics

a topical analgesic

Aspirin and acetaminophen are the oral analgesics of first choice in the treatment of mild to moderate pain caused by cancer.

—William T. McGivney et al.

analgesic

2 of 2

adjective

: relating to, characterized by, or producing analgesia : relieving or lessening pain without loss of consciousness

Ginger, a member of the same plant family as turmeric, contains anti-inflammatory compounds and volatile oils … that show analgesic and sedative effects in animal studies.

—Anahad O'Connor

analgesic drugs

a topical analgesic cream

also : caused by the use of analgesics

analgesic nephropathy

Synonyms of analgesic

Noun

• sedative
• tranquilizer
• anesthetic

Examples of analgesic in a Sentence

Noun

the doctor prescribed an analgesic and rest for my injured knee

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

He was driven by the ambition to design the most potent narcotic analgesic possible. —Jahan Marcu, Rolling Stone, 23 Oct. 2025

Tylenol falls under the umbrella of two other medication classes: analgesics (pain relievers) and antipyretics (fever reducers), says Dr. Anureet Walia, a pain management specialist with UI Health Care. —Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 28 Sep. 2025

Adjective

Some studies suggest lemongrass has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Dec. 2025

The eagle is also getting anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications because birds that fly into fences often get concussions. —Madeline Bartos, CBS News, 5 Dec. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun

noun derivative of analgesic entry 2

Adjective

analgesia + -ic entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

1860, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1852, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

analgesic

1 of 2 adjective

an·​al·​ge·​sic -ˈjē-zik  -sik 

: relating to, characterized by, or producing analgesia

analgesic

2 of 2 noun

: an agent for producing analgesia