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Tranquillizer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tranquillizer

[ˈtræŋkwəˌlaɪzər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A tranquillizer is a drug that makes you feel calmer or sleepier.

Synonyms

calming agent, relaxant, sedative.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tranquillizer

Used in a medical or psychological context to describe a drug that reduces tension or anxiety.

  • The doctor prescribed a tranquillizer to help with her severe anxiety.
  • The tranquillizer took effect within minutes, calming him down quickly.
sedative

Often used in medical contexts to describe a drug that makes someone calm or induces sleep. It can have a slightly negative connotation if overused or abused.

  • The nurse administered a mild sedative to help the patient sleep.
  • He was given a sedative before the surgery to calm his nerves.
calming agent

Used to describe a substance or method that helps induce calmness, often in a non-medical or more general sense.

  • Chamomile tea is often used as a calming agent.
  • The sound of the ocean waves served as a calming agent for many people.
relaxant

Typically used in a medical context to refer to a drug that relaxes muscles or reduces tension.

  • The doctor gave her a muscle relaxant to help relieve the tension in her back.
  • He took a relaxant to help ease the discomfort in his muscles.

Examples of usage

  • He was given a tranquillizer to help him relax before the operation.
  • She took a tranquillizer to help her sleep.
  • The doctor prescribed a tranquillizer to deal with her anxiety.

Translations

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

Origin of 'tranquillizer'

The word 'tranquillizer' originates from the Latin word 'tranquillus', meaning calm or peaceful. The use of tranquillizers in medicine became popular in the mid-20th century as a way to treat anxiety and promote relaxation. Today, tranquillizers are commonly prescribed to help manage various mental health conditions.

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

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,501, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.