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

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

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

Noun

With these sedatives, patients are groggy or in a light sleep throughout surgery. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 15 Oct. 2025

Popular since the Soviet days, Validol, a mild sedative sold over the counter, flies off the shelves in tens of millions each year. —Nina Khrushcheva, Time, 3 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