diazepam

American  

[dahy-az-uh-pam] / daɪˈæz əˌpæm /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a benzodiazepine, C 16 H 13 ClN 2 O, used for alleviation of anxiety and tension, as a hypnotic, a muscle relaxant, and an anticonvulsant, and in alcohol withdrawal.

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diazepam British  

/ daɪˈæzəˌpæm /

noun

1. a chemical compound used as a minor tranquillizer and muscle relaxant and to treat acute epilepsy. Formula: C 16 H 13 ClN 2 O

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diazepam Scientific  

/ dī-ăz′ə-păm′ /

1. A drug, C ₁₆ H ₁₃ ClN ₂ O, used in the treatment of anxiety and as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant.

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Etymology

Origin of diazepam

First recorded in 1960–65; (benzo)diazep(ine) + -am (of uncertain origin)

Compare meaning

How does diazepam compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• diazepam vs. Valium

Example Sentences

The team found that diazepam can support this coordinated activity in their experiments.

From Science Daily • Dec. 10, 2025

In March, the BBC reported how Mr Durose had been prescribed diazepam for a chronic condition called hypermobility, which can cause fatigue, pain and stiffness in joints and muscles, and for joints to dislocate easily.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2024

Nevada’s stock of diazepam began expiring on May 1, so officials could substitute another sedative, such as the anesthetic midazolam, if it can be obtained.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 21, 2018

An autopsy later found that she had been experiencing delirium tremens caused by withdrawal from diazepam, an anti-anxiety medication that P.T.S. staff members said they were never informed she was taking.

From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2016

Merck recently compared a suvorexant-related compound called DORA-22 with diazepam, zolpidem and eszopiclone in rats and monkeys.

From Nature • May 22, 2013