parasympathetic

American  

[par-uh-sim-puh-thet-ik] / ˌpær əˌsɪm pəˈθɛt ɪk /

adjective

Anatomy, Physiology,

1. pertaining to that part of the autonomic nervous system consisting of nerves and ganglia that arise from the cranial and sacral regions and function in opposition to the sympathetic system, as in inhibiting heartbeat or contracting the pupil of the eye.

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parasympathetic British  

/ ˌpærəˌsɪmpəˈθɛtɪk /

adjective

1. anatomy physiol of or relating to the division of the autonomic nervous system that acts in opposition to the sympathetic system by slowing the heartbeat, constricting the bronchi of the lungs, stimulating the smooth muscles of the digestive tract, etc Compare sympathetic

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Etymology

Origin of parasympathetic

First recorded in 1900–05; para- ¹ + sympathetic

Example Sentences

A cold plunge can even result in a brief euphoric feeling as your body switches from the parasympathetic to sympathetic nervous system.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

Simon-Thomas said there are tons of methods to choose from but to always prioritize breathing out longer than you breathe in, which is proven to send the body into a parasympathetic state.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 11, 2025

But for many, the sympathetic nervous system is out of balance with the parasympathetic nervous system, which, along with the vagus nerve, works to calm the body.

From Salon • Apr. 3, 2024

The pupil's constriction is an indicator of parasympathetic nervous system function.

From Science Daily • Oct. 20, 2023

The vagus nerve is the key player in the parasympathetic nervous system, which is the “rest and digest” system that calms the body during times of low stress.

From Scientific American • Jul. 4, 2023