Tranquilizing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tranquilizing

[ˈtræŋkwɪˌlaɪzɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling of calmness

Having a tranquilizing effect; inducing tranquility or calmness.

Synonyms

calming, relaxing, soothing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tranquilizing

Used in medical or pharmaceutical settings to describe something that reduces tension or anxiety to induce a state of calm. Often implies a strong effect, and might have a negative implication if overused.

  • The doctor prescribed a tranquilizing medication to help with her severe anxiety.
  • The tranquilizing effects of the drug made him feel very drowsy.
calming

Used in everyday situations to describe something that helps to reduce emotional stress or agitation. It can refer to activities, environments, or behaviors.

  • The sound of the ocean waves has a calming effect on me.
  • Yoga can be very calming after a stressful day.
soothing

Used to describe something that gently reduces physical or emotional discomfort. It often implies a comforting or healing effect.

  • The mother's voice was soothing to the crying baby.
  • A cup of chamomile tea can be very soothing before bedtime.
relaxing

Often used in casual, everyday language to describe something that helps one to rest and feel at ease. It usually implies a state of comfort and enjoyment.

  • She found the hot bath very relaxing after her long day at work.
  • Reading a good book by the fireplace is so relaxing.

Examples of usage

  • The tranquilizing music helped me relax after a long day at work.
  • The tranquilizing scenery of the mountains brought peace to my mind.
Context #2 | Verb

action of calming or soothing

The act of tranquilizing or soothing someone or something.

Synonyms

calm, pacify, soothe.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
calm

Use 'calm' when you want to describe helping someone feel less upset or worried. It can also describe making a situation less chaotic.

  • She managed to calm the frightened child.
  • He took a few deep breaths to calm his nerves.
soothe

Use 'soothe' when you want to describe making someone feel more comfortable, relaxed, or less in pain. This word often has a gentle and caring connotation.

  • She used a warm towel to soothe the baby's discomfort.
  • His words were meant to soothe her anxiety.
pacify

Use 'pacify' when you want to describe bringing peace or order to a situation, often after it has been chaotic. It can also refer to stopping someone from being angry or upset. This word can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting a temporary or superficial effect.

  • The mother tried to pacify her crying baby.
  • The government sent troops to pacify the rebellious region.

Examples of usage

  • The therapist used various techniques to tranquilize the anxious patient.
  • The mother tranquilized her crying baby by gently singing a lullaby.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Certain substances labelled as tranquilizers can help reduce anxiety and improve mood.
  • In therapy, calming techniques, like deep breathing, are used to 'tranquilize' the mind naturally.
  • The impact of tranquilizers on the brain typically involves neurotransmitters that reduce excitement and induce calm.

Pop Culture

  • In films, tranquilizing darts are often used to subdue characters in high-stress situations.
  • Songs and poetry frequently depict tranquilizing themes, creating imagery of still waters and peaceful moments.
  • Popular relaxation apps use the concept of tranquility to market their services, often promising stress relief.

Medicine

  • Common medications like Valium and Xanax serve to tranquilize patients undergoing stress or anxiety.
  • Veterinarians use tranquilizers to calm animals before procedures or travel.
  • Tranquilizing drugs can be essential in medical emergencies to stabilize aggressive or highly anxious patients.

Nature

  • Natural scenes, such as calm lakes or quiet forests, are often described as tranquilizing because of their peaceful effect on the mind.
  • Certain sounds found in nature, like gentle rain or soft rustling leaves, can have a tranquilizing effect on people.
  • Meditation practices often aim to achieve a tranquil state, both in mind and body, similar to the effects of tranquilizing substances.

Origin of 'tranquilizing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'tranquilus', meaning 'calm' or 'quiet'.
  • The suffix '-izing' indicates a process, so it refers to the process of creating a calm state.
  • Historically, the term has been used in medicine to describe substances that induce relaxation.

The word 'tranquilize' originates from the Latin word 'tranquillizare', meaning 'to calm'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-17th century. Initially used in the context of inducing a state of tranquility or calmness, it later expanded to include the notion of soothing or pacifying. The term gained popularity in medical and therapeutic contexts, where it is often associated with the administration of sedatives or calming agents to induce a state of tranquility.


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

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,092 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.