sedative

1 of 2

adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈse-də-tiv 

: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

sedative

2 of 2

noun

: a sedative agent or drug

Synonyms

Adjective

• relaxing
• tranquilizing
• soothing
• tranquillizing
• comforting

Examples of sedative in a Sentence

Adjective

some people find a glass of wine to be a civilized and sedative addition to an evening meal

Noun

The patient was given a powerful sedative.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Kratom has both stimulant and sedative effects, according to the US Food and Drug Administration. —Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2025

There were also drops in binge drinking, lower scores on alcohol use disorder tests, and reductions in both the stimulating and sedative effects of alcohol. —Teri Sforza, Oc Register, 19 Aug. 2025

Noun

Cobb is serving a 22- to 28-year sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including second-degree murder and driving while under the influence of methamphetamine and sedatives. —Charlotte Observer, 2 Sep. 2025

Yet, unlike cortisol, oxytocin will have an effect on your body akin to that of a sedative. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Middle English, alleviating pain, from Middle French sedatif, from Medieval Latin sedativus, from Latin sedatus

First Known Use

Adjective

1779, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1797, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈsed-ət-iv 

: tending to calm or to ease tension

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative medicine

Medical Definition

sedative

1 of 2 adjective

sed·​a·​tive ˈsed-ət-iv 

: tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize nervousness or excitement

sedative effects of anesthetics and analgesics

—Linda C. Haynes et al.

sedative

2 of 2 noun

: a sedative agent or drug