Synonyms

tranquilize

American

[trang-kwuh-lahyz] / ˈtræŋ kwəˌlaɪz /

especially British, tranquillise or tranquillize

verb (used with or without object)

tranquilized, tranquilizing

to make or become tranquil.

Other Word Forms

tranquilization noun
untranquilize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of tranquilize

First recorded in 1615–25; tranquil + -ize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Zadeh said it was shortly before 1 p.m. when deputies were called to assist after a fish and game warden tried to tranquilize the big cat.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2025

This let police, along with a veterinarian from the National Zoo and animal welfare activists from the Humane Rescue Alliance, tranquilize the bear at 10:15 a.m.

From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023

The sheep, out of its element and skittish from the crashing waves, ruined the first day of the session, so a veterinarian was called in to tranquilize the animal for day two.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2023

Gresham Mandy, who leads the community police group, said the first priority was to tranquilize the animal with a dart and bring it back safely.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 16, 2023

All she had done today was tranquilize a few dogs.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023