Tranquilized Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tranquilized

[træŋˈkwɪl.aɪzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

animal behavior

To be tranquilized means to have been rendered calm or sedated, usually through the administration of a tranquilizer drug. This process is often used in veterinary medicine to safely handle or transport wild animals or pets that may pose a risk when agitated. When an animal is tranquilized, its ability to respond to stimuli is significantly reduced. This method ensures the safety of both the animal and the handlers, allowing for procedures such as examination or relocation without causing distress.

Synonyms

calmed, sedated, soothed.

Examples of usage

  • The veterinarian tranquilized the cat for the surgery.
  • The zookeepers tranquilized the lion before transporting it.
  • Park rangers tranquilized the bear to relocate it.
  • After being tranquilized, the dog calmed down and laid still.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Tranquilization is often used to help patients manage anxiety or fear during medical procedures.
  • Certain tranquilizers can impact the brain's neurotransmitters to promote relaxation.
  • In therapy, achieving a tranquil state is crucial for effective emotional healing and stress management.

Medicine

  • Medications like benzodiazepines are commonly used to tranquilize individuals before surgeries.
  • Veterinary science also uses tranquilizers to safely calm anxious animals during treatment.
  • Over-prescription of tranquilizers has raised concerns about dependency and side effects.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often depict tranquilization as a way to control characters, showcasing its dramatic effects.
  • There's a popular trope in cartoons where characters are tranquilized by darts for comedic effect.
  • Events like 'trank parties' or themes of peace often reference the calming nature of being tranquilized.

Literature

  • Many authors explore themes of tranquility in their works, showing its contrast with chaos or stress.
  • In poetry, images of tranquility are often linked to nature, illustrating calm scenes that invite peace.
  • The use of the term 'tranquilized' can symbolize a loss of agency or awareness in character narratives.

Origin of 'tranquilized'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'tranquilus', meaning 'calm' or 'peaceful'.
  • The suffix ‘-ized’ indicates a process, suggesting the act of making something peaceful.
  • First recorded use in English appeared in the early 20th century associated with medical treatments.

The word 'tranquilized' is derived from the term 'tranquilize', which is rooted in the Latin word 'tranquillus', meaning 'calm' or 'still'. The prefix 'tran-' generally means 'across' or 'beyond', while 'quil' relates to being quiet or at rest. The practice of using tranquilizers became more prominent in the 20th century, especially in medical and psychiatric fields. The term has been adapted to describe the sedation of animals, particularly in conservation and veterinary contexts. As such, the evolution of the word reflects advancements in both language and medical practices, showcasing a growing understanding of behavior management in both human and animal populations.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,393, 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.