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

Saltz: Lorazepam is in the class of medications called benzodiazepines, which is a depressant, and also sometimes referred to as a sedative hypnotic medication. —Ben Tinker, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2025

In any case, chamomile flowers—which look like adorable, tiny daisies—contain flavonoids, terpenoids, and coumarins which certainly have mildly sedative, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic properties. —Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2024

Noun

The Mayo Clinic says that kratom can be used in low doses as a stimulant, and at higher doses as a sedative. —Marni Rose McFall, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 June 2025

To name a few: Anti-seizure drugs, antidepressants, and sedatives are all known to cause dizziness as a side effect. —Rachel Nall, SELF, 17 June 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