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deep sedation

noun

: an induced state of sedation characterized by depressed consciousness such that the patient is unable to continuously and independently maintain a patent airway and experiences a partial loss of protective reflexes and ability to respond to verbal commands or physical stimulation compare conscious sedation

Cite this Entry

“Deep sedation.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/deep%20sedation. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.

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