SEDATIVE

ataractic, ataraxic, sedative, tranquilizing, tranquillizing, tranquilising, tranquillising

(adjective) tending to soothe or tranquilize; “valium has a tranquilizing effect”; “took a hot drink with sedative properties before going to bed”

sedative, sedative drug, depressant, downer

(noun) a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Noun

sedative (plural sedatives)

(pharmaceutical drug) An agent or drug that sedates, having a calming or soothing effect, or inducing sleep.

Synonyms

• (agents that cause sleep): sleeping pill, soporific, tranquilizer

• (other agents that sedate): anxiolytic, depressant, downer

Adjective

sedative (comparative more sedative, superlative most sedative)

(pharmaceutical effect) Calming, soothing, inducing sleep, tranquilizing

Synonyms

• ataractic

• ataraxic

Anagrams

• deviates

Source: Wiktionary


Sed"a*tive, a. Etym: [Cf. F. sédatif.]

Definition: Tending to calm, moderate, or tranquilize; specifically (Med.), allaying irritability and irritation; assuaging pain.

Sed"a*tive, n. (Med.)

Definition: A remedy which allays irritability and irritation, and irritative activity or pain.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



RESET




Word of the Day

29 May 2025

CRITICAL

(adjective) characterized by careful evaluation and judgment; “a critical reading”; “a critical dissertation”; “a critical analysis of Melville’s writings”


coffee icon

Coffee Trivia

According to WorldAtlas, Canada is the only non-European country to make its top ten list of coffee consumers. The United States at a distant 25 on the list.

coffee icon