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Sedative Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sedative

[ˈsɛdətɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A sedative is a drug that calms a person, reducing stress and anxiety. It is often used to help people relax or sleep.

Synonyms

calming agent, sleeping pill, tranquilizer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sedative

Used in medical settings to induce calmness or sleep, often for patients undergoing surgery or experiencing extreme anxiety.

  • The doctor administered a sedative before the surgery.
  • She was given a sedative to calm her nerves before the procedure.
tranquilizer

Typically used in situations requiring significant reduction of extreme stress or agitation, often for mental health conditions or in veterinary practice, and may have a strong, sometimes negative, connotation.

  • The vet gave the anxious dog a tranquilizer before the procedure.
  • He was given a tranquilizer to manage his severe anxiety attack.
calming agent

Refers broadly to any substance or practice that promotes relaxation, such as herbal teas or breathing exercises, suitable for both medical and personal use.

  • Chamomile tea acts as a calming agent, helping you unwind before bed.
  • He uses a calming agent, like deep breathing, to manage his stress.
sleeping pill

Specifically used to help people fall asleep, often prescribed for those with insomnia or other sleep disorders.

  • After struggling with insomnia, she took a sleeping pill to get a good night's rest.
  • The doctor prescribed a sleeping pill to help him regulate his sleep cycle.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient relax before the procedure.
  • She took a sedative before the flight to calm her nerves.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing effect

Having a sedative effect means causing calmness or drowsiness.

Synonyms

calming, sleep-inducing, tranquilizing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
sedative

Used mainly in medical or clinical settings to refer to drugs that calm the nervous system and induce drowsiness or sleep.

  • The doctor prescribed a sedative to help the patient sleep
calming

Used in everyday language to describe something that helps to relax or reduce stress without necessarily inducing sleep.

  • Listening to the sound of waves is very calming
tranquilizing

Usually refers to strong medications that reduce anxiety and agitation, often used in medical or psychological contexts. It can have a somewhat negative connotation due to its association with potent drugs.

  • The vet gave the animal a tranquilizing injection to keep it calm during the procedure
sleep-inducing

Used to describe substances or activities that specifically help someone fall asleep. It focuses on promoting sleep rather than just relaxation.

  • Warm milk is often recommended as a sleep-inducing remedy

Examples of usage

  • The soothing music had a sedative effect on the baby, helping him fall asleep.
  • The warm bath had a sedative effect on her mind, easing her stress.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Sedatives work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain that help regulate mood and sleep.
  • Benzodiazepines, a common class of sedatives, enhance the effect of a brain chemical called GABA to induce calmness.

Culture and Society

  • In ancient cultures, herbs like valerian and chamomile were often used as natural sedatives to promote sleep.
  • Pop culture often portrays sedatives as a necessary tool in intense or high-stress environments, like in movies or television, to show characters coping with anxiety.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that sedatives can be effective in reducing acute anxiety, but they may also lead to dependency if used excessively.
  • Therapists sometimes use sedatives cautiously in treating severe panic disorders, ensuring a balanced approach to mental health.

Literature

  • Sedatives are often mentioned in literature to reflect the struggles of characters dealing with anxiety and insomnia, symbolizing the quest for peace.
  • Many authors explore the tension between sedatives as healing aids and their potential influence on personal freedom and identity.

Origin of 'sedative'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'sedare,' meaning 'to calm' or 'to settle down'.
  • In the 19th century, the term began to be associated with medications that promote relaxation.

The word 'sedative' originates from the Latin verb 'sedare', meaning 'to calm'. The use of sedatives for their calming effects dates back to ancient civilizations, where herbs and natural substances were used to induce relaxation and sleep. Over time, the development of modern medicine led to the synthesis of synthetic sedatives for medical use.

See also: sedation.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,656, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.