lorazepam

noun

lor·​az·​e·​pam lȯr-ˈa-zə-ˌpam 

: a benzodiazepine tranquilizer C₁₅H₁₀Cl₂N₂O₂ used especially to relieve anxiety and insomnia and to control epileptic seizures

Examples of lorazepam in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the show, the character Victoria Ratliff casually takes lorazepam to manage social anxiety and sleep problems, often mixing the benzodiazepine with white wine. —Lydia Patrick, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Nov. 2025

Posey brought the laughs and lorazepam to The White Lotus season 3 as the Ratliff family matriarch, Victoria. —Carson Blackwelder, PEOPLE, 15 Sep. 2025

Benzodiazepines: Medications like Ativan (lorazepam) calm your nervous system to treat anxiety. —Brandi Jones, Health, 30 July 2025

This is because older adults can be more sensitive to the sedative effects of lorazepam. —Verywell Health, 3 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from chlor- + -azepam (as in diazepam)

First Known Use

1969, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

lorazepam

noun

lor·​az·​e·​pam lȯr-ˈaz-ə-ˌpam 

: a benzodiazepine tranquilizer C₁₅H₁₀Cl₂N₂O₂ used especially to relieve anxiety and insomnia, to control status epilepticus, and as a premedication before surgery

Note: Lorazepam is marketed under the trademark Ativan.