Depressant: meaning, definitions and examples
๐งโโ๏ธ
depressant
[ dษชหprษsษnt ]
pharmacology, psychology
A depressant is a type of drug that decreases the function or activity of specific parts of the brain and central nervous system. These substances can lead to a calming effect, reduced anxiety, and can also induce sleep. Common examples include alcohol, benzodiazepines, and barbiturates. While they can be used medicinally to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, they also carry a risk of dependence and misuse.
Synonyms
calming agent, sedative, tranquilizer
Examples of usage
- Alcohol is a well-known depressant that can impair motor skills.
- Many medications prescribed for anxiety are classified as depressants.
- Patients are advised to avoid mixing depressants with other drugs.
Translations
Translations of the word "depressant" in other languages:
๐ต๐น depressora
๐ฎ๐ณ เคจเคพเคถเค
๐ฉ๐ช Depressivum
๐ฎ๐ฉ depresan
๐บ๐ฆ ะดะตะฟัะตัะฐะฝั
๐ต๐ฑ depresant
๐ฏ๐ต ๆๅถๅค
๐ซ๐ท dรฉpressif
๐ช๐ธ depresor
๐น๐ท depresan
๐ฐ๐ท ์ฐ์ธ์
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุซูุจููุท
๐จ๐ฟ depresivum
๐ธ๐ฐ depresรญvum
๐จ๐ณ ๆๅถๅ
๐ธ๐ฎ depresor
๐ฎ๐ธ depressant
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะดะตะฟัะตััะฐะฝั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แแกแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ depressant
๐ฒ๐ฝ depresor
Etymology
The word 'depressant' originates from the Latin verb 'deprimere', which means 'to press down'. The term began to be used in medical contexts in the early 20th century as substances that cause a reduction in functional activity were being categorized. As psychologists and medical professionals started to understand the effects of various substances on mental and physical health, the classification of depressants became crucial in both clinical and recreational settings. The growing awareness of the effects of alcohol and other drugs led to more research into their properties and impacts, further solidifying the term's use in both scientific and everyday language.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #22,961, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 22958 unreservedly
- 22959 cunningly
- 22960 vengeful
- 22961 depressant
- 22962 inoffensive
- 22963 similes
- 22964 elucidating
- ...