Relaxant: meaning, definitions and examples

😌
Add to dictionary

relaxant

 

[rɪˈlæksənt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A substance that helps to relax muscles and reduce tension.

Synonyms

calming agent, sedative, tranquilizer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
relaxant

Typically used in medical or therapeutic settings to describe medications or substances that help relax muscles.

  • The doctor prescribed a muscle relaxant for my back pain
tranquilizer

Refers to powerful medications used to reduce severe anxiety or agitation. Often used in psychiatric settings and can carry a negative connotation when discussing misuse or overuse.

  • She was given a tranquilizer to help manage her panic attacks
sedative

A medical term for drugs that induce sleepiness or drowsiness. It is often used in clinical or emergency settings and can have a negative connotation if used excessively.

  • The vet gave the dog a sedative before surgery
calming agent

Used to refer to substances or methods that reduce stress and promote a sense of calm, often in everyday situations or holistic treatments.

  • Lavender is known to be a natural calming agent

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed a muscle relaxant for my back pain.
  • She took a relaxant before going to bed to help her sleep better.
Context #2 | Noun

general

Something that promotes relaxation and reduces stress.

Synonyms

calming influence, soother, stress reliever.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
relaxant

Used mostly in medical or scientific settings to describe substances that help muscles relax.

  • The doctor prescribed a muscle relaxant for her back pain.
  • This herbal relaxant can help to reduce stress.
stress reliever

Commonly used to describe activities or items that help reduce stress, suitable for both informal and formal contexts.

  • Going for a run is my favorite stress reliever.
  • Meditation can be an effective stress reliever.
calming influence

Refers to a person or thing that helps to calm others, often used in social contexts.

  • Her presence has a calming influence on the team.
  • Listening to classical music can be a calming influence during stressful times.
soother

Often used for objects or substances that bring comfort, especially for children.

  • The baby seemed much happier with the pacifier, which acts as a soother.
  • Lavender scent can be a great soother for a stressful day.

Examples of usage

  • Listening to music is a great relaxant after a long day at work.
  • Taking a hot bath can be a natural relaxant for your body.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'relaxare,' which means 'to loosen' or 'to ease.'
  • In the 20th century, the term became popular in medicine to describe substances that help reduce tension.

Science

  • Certain relaxants can bind to receptors in the brain, helping to decrease activity and promote a calming effect.
  • The use of relaxants in medicine can aid in procedures that require patients to remain calm and still.

Cultural References

  • In various cultures, relaxation techniques, including the use of relaxing substances, play a central role in wellness practices.
  • The concept of relaxation has evolved in modern culture, often seen in yoga, meditation, and wellness retreats.

Psychology

  • The mind-body connection is significant; feelings of stress can create tension, and relaxants help to break this cycle.
  • Psychological studies have shown that the experience of relaxation can improve mental health by lowering anxiety and depression levels.

Health

  • Some relaxants are natural, like chamomile and lavender, which are known for their calming properties.
  • While effective, it's essential to use prescribed relaxants responsibly, as they can lead to dependency if misused.

Translations

Translations of the word "relaxant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 relaxante

🇮🇳 आरामदायक

🇩🇪 entspannend

🇮🇩 relaksan

🇺🇦 розслаблюючий

🇵🇱 relaksujący

🇯🇵 リラックスさせる

🇫🇷 relaxant

🇪🇸 relajante

🇹🇷 rahatlatıcı

🇰🇷 이완제

🇸🇦 مرخي

🇨🇿 uvolňující

🇸🇰 uvoľňujúci

🇨🇳 放松剂

🇸🇮 sproščujoč

🇮🇸 slakandi

🇰🇿 босаңсытқыш

🇬🇪 რელაქსანტი

🇦🇿 rahatladıcı

🇲🇽 relajante