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

The state appears to now use two doses of the sedative pentobarbital, with the attorneys saying the inmates drown in a rush of fluid into their lungs but are paralyzed and cannot react. —Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2025

Nitrous oxide is commonly used as an inhaled sedative tool in medical procedures, the Cleveland Clinic explains. —Cara Lynn Shultz, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025

Noun

Finally, the use of some substances, such as marijuana or sedatives, can worsen, or even cause, ADHD symptoms. —Carol Mathews, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025

With these sedatives, patients are groggy or in a light sleep throughout surgery. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 15 Oct. 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