sedative

American  

[sed-uh-tiv] / ˈsɛd ə tɪv /

adjective

1. tending to calm or soothe.

2. allaying irritability or excitement; assuaging pain; lowering functional activity.

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noun

1. a sedative drug or agent.

sedative British  

/ ˈsɛdətɪv /

adjective

1. having a soothing or calming effect

2. of or relating to sedation

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noun

1. med a sedative drug or agent

sedative Scientific  

/ sĕd′ə-tĭv /

1. A drug having a calming or quieting effect, often given to reduce anxiety or to promote relaxation.

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Other Word Forms

• unsedative adjective

Etymology

Origin of sedative

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English (adjective), from Middle French sédatif, from Medieval Latin sēdātīvus; equivalent to sedate + -ive

Example Sentences

Monitored by a police drone, an exhausted Buddy finally laid down to rest as a vet administered some sedatives in the early hours of Sunday.

From BBC

All received the same five-drug regimen: a drug that prevents nausea and vomiting, a sedative, fentanyl, propofol and a muscle relaxant.

From BBC

Injectable drugs such as the sedative propofol are more than twice as likely to be out of supply than oral tablets.

From Los Angeles Times

Veterinarians and ranchers use xylazine as a sedative, but drug users are combining it with synthetic opioids to extend the feeling of euphoria.

From Washington Times

Regardless of the driving factors, cannabis overdose can be scary, but the standard protocol in such cases is to manage symptoms or prescribe a sedative like Xanax.

From Salon

Related Words

• medication
• narcotic
• opiate
• sleeping pill