Tranquilize Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tranquilize

[ˈtræŋkwəˌlaɪz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

calm

To make someone or something calm or relaxed, especially by giving them drugs.

Synonyms

calm, pacify, relax, sedate.

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Word Description / Examples
tranquilize

This term is used in medical or veterinary fields to describe the act of administering a drug to make someone or an animal calm or sleepy.

  • The veterinarian had to tranquilize the aggressive dog before performing the surgery.
  • They were able to tranquilize the bear to move it safely out of the residential area.
calm

Useful in everyday life for describing the act of making someone or something less agitated or nervous.

  • She tried to calm the baby by singing a lullaby.
  • His soothing words helped to calm her anxiety.
sedate

Primarily used in medical contexts to describe the act of administering a drug to make someone sleepy or quiet. Generally has a formal or clinical tone.

  • The patient needed to be sedated before the operation.
  • They sedated the injured animal to ease its pain.
pacify

Generally used to describe the act of bringing peace to a situation or soothing someone who is angry or upset. Sometimes carries a connotation of temporarily placating someone.

  • He tried to pacify the angry customer by offering a refund.
  • The teacher attempted to pacify the students after they learned about the test.
relax

Commonly used to describe the act of becoming or making someone else less tense, usually in leisurely or stress-free settings.

  • She likes to relax with a good book after a long day.
  • The spa treatments helped him relax completely.

Examples of usage

  • He was tranquilized before the surgery.
  • The zookeeper tranquilized the wild animal to move it to a safer location.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Medicine

  • Tranquilizers are often used in mental health to treat anxiety disorders and help with sleep.
  • They work by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain, which help regulate mood and sleep.
  • Benzodiazepines and barbiturates are two common categories of tranquilizers used in medicine.

Wildlife Conservation

  • Veterinarians frequently use tranquilizers to safely sedate wild animals for health checks or to relocate them.
  • Tranquilizing darts allow for non-invasive treatment in wildlife without causing stress to the animal.
  • Certain tranquilizers are specially formulated for different species, ensuring effective and safe sedation.

Psychology

  • Using medications to calm patients can be an important part of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.
  • The balance of using tranquilizers is crucial as they can lead to dependency if used improperly.
  • Behavioral therapies are often combined with tranquilizers to provide a holistic approach for anxious individuals.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, tranquilizers are often depicted as secret weapons to capture animals or criminals without harm.
  • TV shows like 'Grey's Anatomy' often portray doctors using tranquilizers in dramatic medical scenarios.
  • The term 'tranquilize' is sometimes humorously associated with late-night infomercial products that promise relaxation.

Origin of 'tranquilize'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'tranquillizare', which means to make calm or quiet.
  • The root 'tranquil' has been used for centuries to describe a peaceful state of mind.
  • It was first recorded in English in the late 19th century, associated with calming treatments.

The word 'tranquilize' originated from the Latin word 'tranquillus' meaning 'calm, tranquil'. It first appeared in the English language in the early 19th century.


See also: tranquility, tranquilizer, tranquilizing, tranquillization, tranquillizer, tranquilly.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,737, 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.