lenitive

[ len-i-tiv ]

adjective

1. softening, soothing, or mitigating, as medicines or applications.
2. mildly laxative.

noun

1. a lenitive medicine or application.
2. a mild laxative.
3. Archaic. anything that softens or soothes.

lenitive

/ ˈlɛnɪtɪv /

adjective

1. soothing or alleviating pain or distress

noun

1. obsolete.
   a lenitive drug

Other Words From

• leni·tive·ly adverb
• leni·tive·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of lenitive¹

From the Medieval Latin word lēnītīvus, dating back to 1535–45. See lenition, -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of lenitive¹

C16: from Medieval Latin lēnītīvus, from Latin lēnīre to soothe

Example Sentences

For my own part, in expectation of that fatal period when moderation and indulgence should take place, I instantly quitted a country where severity was not softened by any lenitive, and embarked for Spain.

From Project Gutenberg

Thomson's way of dealing with this cause of discontent did not dispose of it for ever, but it at least provided a lenitive.

From Project Gutenberg

In obstinate cases, three drams of carbon may be taken two or three times a day, mixed with three ounces of lenitive electuary, and two drams of carbonate of soda, as circumstances may require.

From Project Gutenberg

The young victim of the wisdom of Solomon was boarded with the parish minister, in whose kindness he found a lenitive for the scholastic discipline he underwent.

From Project Gutenberg

And in the hospital of the mind, the lenitive and fostering measures have a still larger share in the work of a moral restoration.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• anesthetic
• dope
• hard drug
• heroin
• merchandise
• opiate
• opium
• painkiller
• sedative
• tranquilizer