anxiolytic

[ ang-zee-uh-lit-ik ]

adjective

1. anxiety relieving.

noun

1. antianxiety drug.

anxiolytic

/ ˌæŋksɪəʊˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. any of a class of drugs that reduce anxiety

adjective

1. of or relating to this class of drugs

anxiolytic

/ ăng′zē-ō-lĭt′ĭk /

1. A drug used to treat acute or chronic anxiety.

Word History and Origins

Origin of anxiolytic¹

First recorded in 1960–65; anxi(ety) + -o- + -lytic

Example Sentences

Overall, the study reveals the role of the PL-BLA neuronal axis in the regulation of innate anxiety, and its potential function in DOP-mediated anxiolytic effects.

From Science Daily

I have had dozens of letters and Facebook messages from people who are anxiously upping their doses of antidepressant and anxiolytic medication.

From The Guardian

In general, THC has been shown to produce anxiety and psychotic features, especially at higher doses, whereas CBD has been shown to produce anxiolytic and antipsychotic effects.

From Scientific American

I asked a quick succession of questions, was given clear answers and quickly determined she had a panic disorder, had her anxiolytic medication in her purse sitting next to her but hadn’t taken any.

From Time

Within six months of admission to a care home, say the authors, 30.2% of all new residents had received at least one prescription for an antipsychotic, 37.1% for a hypnotic and 24.5% for an anxiolytic.

From The Guardian