calmative

[ kah-muh-tiv, kal-muh- ]

adjective

1. having a sedative effect.

noun

1. a calmative agent.

calmative

/ ˈkɑːmə-; ˈkælmətɪv /

adjective

1. (of a remedy or agent) sedative

noun

1. a sedative remedy or drug

Other Words From

• un·calma·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of calmative¹

First recorded in 1865–70; calm + -ative

Example Sentences

Created at the turn of the 19th century by London confectioner William Smith, he marketed his mints — which were made from sugar, gum arabic, peppermint oil, gelatin and glucose syrup — as "a stomach calmative to relieve intestinal discomfort."

From Salon

Viewed as an unconventional portrait of maturing adolescence, however, “Maidentrip” works, presenting isolation as a calmative to the squalls of puberty.

From New York Times

Some of the studies explore the neuroscience of calmative behavior.

From New York Times

No calmative of sleep or sage Will cure the fever to be free.

From Project Gutenberg

In such cases, however, a shot or two from a good revolver has a wonderfully persuasive and calmative effect on even Somali Indians.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• mesmerizing
• soothing