Anesthetise: meaning, definitions and examples

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anesthetise

 

[ əˈnɛs.θə.taɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

medical procedure

To anesthetise means to induce a state of controlled temporary loss of sensation or awareness. It is commonly used in medical contexts to perform surgeries without causing pain to the patient.

Synonyms

anesthetize, deadens, numb

Examples of usage

  • The doctor will anesthetise the patient before the surgery.
  • They decided to anesthetise him to avoid any discomfort.
  • The dentist will anesthetise your mouth before the procedure.
  • It is crucial to anesthetise the patient properly for the operation.

Etymology

The word 'anesthetise' originates from the Greek word 'anaisthesis', meaning 'lack of sensation', paired with the suffix '-ize', which indicates a process. The term first appeared in the medical literature in the 19th century as anesthesia became more developed as a practice. The prefix 'an-' signifies 'without' and 'aisthesis' translates to 'sensation' or 'perception'. As surgery evolved and the understanding of pain management improved, the term gained prominence among medical practitioners. Anesthesia has played a critical role in modern medicine, allowing for more complex surgical procedures to be performed safely and effectively, thereby significantly reducing patient distress. Over the years, various methods of anesthetization have been developed, including general anesthesia, local anesthesia, and regional anesthesia.