Painkilling Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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painkilling
[peɪnˈkɪlɪŋ ]
Definition
medical use
Painkilling refers to the property of a substance that alleviates pain. It is commonly used to describe medications that are specifically formulated to reduce or eliminate discomfort, such as analgesics. Painkilling agents work by blocking pain signals in the nervous system or by influencing the pain perception in the brain.
Synonyms
analgesic, pain-relieving, pain-soothing.
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed a painkilling medication after the surgery.
- Painkilling drugs can help patients manage chronic pain.
- Many over-the-counter painkilling options are available for headaches.
- He relied on painkilling ointments for muscle soreness.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'painkilling'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The term 'painkilling' is derived from the combination of two words: 'pain' and 'killing.' The word 'pain' comes from the Latin 'poena,' which means punishment or penalty, reflecting the discomfort that can be associated with injury or illness. The use of 'killing' in the context of pain refers to the act of eliminating or alleviating this discomfort. The concept of pain relief has a long history, with various civilizations developing their own remedies for pain, from herbal treatments to more advanced medications. The modern understanding of painkilling often involves the use of pharmaceuticals, which have been extensively researched and developed over the past century to provide more effective relief from various types of pain. With the rise of pain management as a distinct field within medicine, painkilling has become an essential aspect of patient care, focusing not only on the physical aspects of pain but also on the psychological and emotional components.