sedation

noun

se·​da·​tion si-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the inducing of a relaxed easy state especially by the use of sedatives

2

: a state resulting from or as if from sedation

Examples of sedation in a Sentence

For some patients, sedation may be necessary.

Recent Examples on the Web

The compounds interact with the brain's opioid receptors, which can mimic the effects of drugs such as hydrocodone, including sedation, euphoria and a decrease in pain, according to the National Institutes of Health's National Institute on Drug Abuse. —Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026

Oral medications like NSAIDs or anxiolytics and other interventions like distraction can help, and sedation should be available for those who need or want it. —Maryl Sackeim, STAT, 20 Mar. 2026

The gold standard for screening and diagnosing colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy, a procedure recommended to people age 45 and older in which a camera is used — typically under sedation — to examine the full length of the colon. —Miriam Fauzia, Dallas Morning News, 19 Mar. 2026

If that happens, talk to the vet about whether sedation rather than anesthesia could be used. —Joan Morris, Mercury News, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sedation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Medical Definition

sedation

noun

se·​da·​tion si-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the inducing of a relaxed easy state especially by the use of sedatives

2

: a state resulting from sedation see conscious sedation, deep sedation