Sedation: meaning, definitions and examples

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sedation

[sɪˈdeɪʃən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

medical treatment

The act of calming or inducing a state of calm or sleep, especially with the use of drugs.

Synonyms

calming, relaxation, tranquillization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sedation	Used primarily in medical or clinical settings to refer to the process of calming a patient by administering sedative drugs. The patient was put under sedation before the surgery Heavy sedation was required to manage his anxiety
calming	General term that can be used in everyday situations to describe anything that reduces stress, tension, or excitement. Listening to classical music is very calming for me She spoke in a calming voice to help the baby stop crying
tranquillization	Primarily used in medical or zoological contexts to refer to the process of giving a tranquilizer to achieve a state of calm, often for animals. It can have a slightly clinical or technical connotation. The veterinarian needed to perform tranquillization to safely transport the wild animal Tranquillization was necessary to handle the aggressive dog
relaxation	Used in contexts related to leisure and relief from stress or tension, often associated with activities aimed at reducing stress. Yoga practice can lead to deep relaxation A weekend at the spa provides much-needed relaxation

Examples of usage

Before the surgery, the patient was given sedation to help relax.
The dentist administered sedation to the anxious child before the procedure.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

veterinary medicine

The process of calming or administering drugs to animals for medical procedures or travel.

Synonyms

calming, relaxation, tranquillization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sedation	Common in medical or dental settings, often used when referring to the administration of drugs to make a patient relaxed or unconscious before a procedure. The doctor administered sedation before the surgery to ensure the patient felt no pain. She needed sedation during the dental procedure due to high anxiety.
calming	Used in everyday situations to describe something that reduces anxiety or stress, often referring to activities, environments, or substances. Listening to calming music helps me unwind after a long day. His voice had a calming effect on the distressed child.
tranquillization	More often used in a medical or veterinary context, referring to the use of tranquilizers to reduce agitation or excitement. The veterinarian recommended tranquillization for the overly excitable dog during the trip. In severe cases, tranquillization might be necessary to calm the patient.
relaxation	Typically used to describe a state of reduced tension or stress, often achieved through leisure activities or mental techniques. A bubble bath is perfect for relaxation after a hectic week. Yoga sessions contribute significantly to my relaxation and well-being.

Examples of usage

The veterinarian recommended sedation for the nervous dog before the examination.
The sedation of the horse was necessary for the safe transport to the new location.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general

The state of being sedated or tranquillized, often induced for medical purposes.

Synonyms

calmness, relaxation, tranquility.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sedation	Used primarily in medical contexts, this word refers to the act of administering a drug to calm or make someone sleep. The patient was given sedation before the surgery. The doctor recommended sedation to help with the anxiety.
calmness	Refers to a state of being free from agitation or strong emotions. It's often used to describe a person's demeanor or a situation. Her calmness during the emergency was admirable. We need to maintain calmness in times of crisis.
tranquility	Describes a state of peace and quiet, often used to talk about nature, places, or a person's inner state. The tranquility of the lake is unmatched. She enjoys the tranquility of early mornings.
relaxation	Implies a state of being free from tension and anxiety. It is used in casual or leisure contexts. The weekend is a time for relaxation. A good book brings me relaxation after a long day.

Examples of usage

After the accident, the paramedics provided sedation to the injured person.
Sedation is commonly used during minor surgical procedures.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'sedation' comes from the Latin 'sedare,' which means 'to calm' or 'to soothe.'
It was first used in medical texts in the early 20th century, reflecting an evolving understanding of patient care.
Over time, sedatives have traveled from herbal remedies to modern medications, showing advancements in medicine.

Medicine

Sedation is commonly used in surgeries to help patients feel relaxed and pain-free.
There are different levels of sedation, from minimal (where a patient is awake but calm) to deep (where a patient is completely unconscious).
Anesthesia is a type of sedation, but not all sedation leads to unconsciousness; some allows for easier recovery.

Psychology

In mental health treatment, sedation can help manage anxiety disorders, providing relief for patients to engage in therapy.
Sedation strategies can impact brain chemicals, influencing mood and behavior during treatment.
Studies show that sedation isn’t just about chemical aids; techniques like guided imagery can promote relaxation in therapy.

Cultural Practices

Different cultures use various methods for sedation, from traditional herbal teas to modern pharmaceutical approaches.
In some regions, pre-operative rituals and medications are designed to soothe before procedures, blending tradition with modern care.
Meditation and breathing exercises are increasingly recognized as natural sedatives, reflecting a cultural shift towards holistic health.

Pop Culture

Sedation appears in movies and TV shows, often depicted during medical emergencies or surgeries, highlighting its dramatic importance.
Some music genres, particularly ambient or downtempo, are said to create a sedative effect, promoting relaxation through sound.
Popular literature sometimes explores themes of forced sedation, sparking discussions around autonomy and consent in medical scenarios.

Translations

Translations of the word "sedation" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sedação

🇮🇳 सिडेशन

🇩🇪 Sedierung

🇮🇩 sedasi

🇺🇦 седація

🇵🇱 sedacja

🇯🇵 鎮静

🇫🇷 sédation

🇪🇸 sedación

🇹🇷 sedasyon

🇰🇷 진정

🇸🇦 تسكين

🇨🇿 sedace

🇸🇰 sedácia

🇨🇳 镇静

🇸🇮 sedacija

🇮🇸 svæfing

🇰🇿 седация

🇬🇪 სედაცია

🇦🇿 sedasiya

🇲🇽 sedación

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,282, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17279 fray
17280 obsolescence
17281 soldering
17282 sedation
17283 journeyed
17284 roaming
17285 stiffly
...