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

And while other medications prescribed for anxiety, like certain anti-depressants, can take weeks to work, propranolol can take effect within an hour. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 22 Apr. 2026

As a respiratory depressant, the drug likely contributed to his death, Lucas noted. —Kelly Davis, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Apr. 2026

The products are derived from a Southeast Asian tree that has stimulant properties at low doses but acts as a depressant at high doses. —Paul Flahive, Austin American Statesman, 1 Apr. 2026

How Alcohol Affects Drivers Alcohol is a depressant that affects the central nervous system. —Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Mar. 2026

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