benzodiazepine

noun

ben·​zo·​di·​az·​e·​pine ˌben-zō-dī-ˈa-zə-ˌpēn How to pronounce benzodiazepine (audio)
: any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used especially as tranquilizers

Examples of benzodiazepine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The most common emergency medications – also called seizure rescue medications– are a type of anticonvulsants called benzodiazepines. Jacob Pellinen, Discover Magazine, 24 Feb. 2024 Possibilities include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chlorpromazine, reserpine and tricyclic antidepressants. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 16 Jan. 2024 Around 10 years ago, criminals in Colombia started using it to target tourists, Dr. Castaño said, often mixing it with benzodiazepines, depressants that typically treat insomnia and anxiety, to further incapacitate victims. Genevieve Glatsky, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2024 Drugs that may cause a problem include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chlorpromazine, reserpine, and tricyclic antidepressants. Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024 According to the Alameda County Coroner’s Bureau, Cloud had fentanyl, cocaine, benzodiazepine, and methamphetamine in his system at the time of death. Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 11 Jan. 2024 Cloud, 25, died of a lethal mix of methamphetamine, fentanyl, cocaine and benzodiazepines, the coroner's office confirmed in a phone call with NBC News. Doha Madani, NBC News, 21 Sep. 2023 And there is only limited evidence that medications like hyoscine butyl bromide, benzodiazepines, and opioids are effective. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 11 Dec. 2023 In addition, patients need to be aware that the risk of overdose rises significantly if using other substances including alcohol, stimulants, and benzodiazepines. Joëlla W. Adams, STAT, 5 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'benzodiazepine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

benz- + di- + az- + -epine (from hepta- + -ine entry 2)

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzodiazepine was in 1934

Dictionary Entries Near benzodiazepine

Cite this Entry

“Benzodiazepine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzodiazepine. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

benzodiazepine

noun
ben·​zo·​di·​az·​e·​pine ˌben-zō-dī-ˈaz-ə-ˌpēn How to pronounce benzodiazepine (audio)
: any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used especially as tranquilizers

More from Merriam-Webster on benzodiazepine

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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