Sedating: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'sedare', which means 'to calm' or 'to quiet'.
• The suffix '-ing' often indicates an action or process, showing that it's something happening right now.

Medicine

• Sedating medications are often used in hospitals to help patients relax before procedures.
• Some common sedatives include benzodiazepines and barbiturates, which affect brain chemicals to induce calmness.
• Sedatives can sometimes lead to side effects like grogginess or confusion, especially if taken in high doses.

Psychology

• The effectiveness of sedating techniques varies from person to person, depending on individual sensitivity to medications.
• Relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can also have a sedating effect without medication.
• The role of a calm environment in inducing relaxation is critical; noise and chaos can counteract sedating effects.

Culture

• In movies, characters often use sedatives for comedic effect, exaggerating how relaxed or silly they become.
• Cultural views on sedatives vary; some see them as necessary tools for health, while others view them with skepticism.

Literature

• The theme of sedating often appears in literature, depicting characters who struggle with sleep, anxiety, and dependence.
• Famous novels like 'Brave New World' explore the impacts of sedatives on society and individual thought processes.

Ranking #35,745, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

• ...
• 35742 daintiness
• 35743 smouldered
• 35744 joviality
• 35745 sedating
• 35746 overcooked
• 35747 fraternize
• 35748 seltzer
• ...