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

Even small amounts of alcohol can amplify Benadryl’s sedative effects and interfere with daily functioning. —Alex Yampolsky, Verywell Health, 29 Sep. 2025

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

Noun

Reject The Quick-Fix Trap The temptation is to reach for stimulants, sedatives, or trendy supplements. —Julian Hayes Ii, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025

In the coming months and years, Dasgupta suggests, other drugs—potentially including nitazene analogues, as well as certain sedatives his lab has also detected in the drug supply—may become more prominent in the market and fill gaps fentanyl is leaving. —Connor Greene, Time, 16 Sep. 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