Painkilling: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'pain' comes from the Latin 'poena', meaning penalty, showing how hurt can feel like a punishment.
• The term 'killing' derives from the Old English 'cyning', which is related to stopping or ending something completely.

Science

• Pain relief can be achieved through various methods, including medications known as analgesics that inhibit pain signals in the brain.
• Types of pain relief include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), opioids, and alternative therapies like acupuncture.

History

• The use of opium for pain relief dates back to ancient Sumeria, around 3400 BCE, highlighting the long human quest to alleviate suffering.
• In the 19th century, morphine was isolated from opium and became a widely used painkiller, although its addictive properties soon became evident.

Pop Culture

• Pain relief medications have been featured in popular media, often depicting characters using them to handle physical or emotional pain.
• The phrase 'painkillers' is so ingrained in our language that it is often used metaphorically to describe anything that alleviates discomfort.

Psychology

• Studies show that the perception of pain is not just a physical response but also has strong emotional and psychological components.
• The placebo effect demonstrates that sometimes believing you are receiving effective treatment can significantly reduce the sensation of pain.