Depressant: meaning, definitions and examples

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depressant

 

[ dษชหˆprษ›sษ™nt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น depressora

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคพเคถเค•

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Depressivum

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ depresan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตะฟั€ะตัะฐะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ depresant

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆŠ‘ๅˆถๅ‰ค

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท dรฉpressif

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ depresor

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท depresan

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์šฐ์šธ์ œ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูุซูŽุจู‘ูุท

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ depresivum

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ depresรญvum

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆŠ‘ๅˆถๅ‰‚

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ depresor

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ depressant

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะตะฟั€ะตััะฐะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒžแƒ แƒ”แƒกแƒแƒœแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ depressant

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.