antianxiety

American  

[an-tee-ang-zahy-i-tee, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti æŋˈzaɪ ɪ ti, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. tending to prevent or relieve anxiety.

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Etymology

Origin of antianxiety

First recorded in 1960–65; anti- + anxiety

Example Sentences

Gardner’s on antianxiety drugs to help him function, and he’s started wearing a mouthguard at night because he’s been clenching his teeth in his sleep.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 18, 2025

Gallimberti tried to help Rossi by prescribing an antidepressant, an antianxiety drug, and psychotherapy.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 29, 2017

A number of medications can affect memory, says Barnard, including antihistamines; antidepressants, like Prozac; antianxiety drugs, like Xanax; and sleep aids, like Ambien.

From Time • Aug. 1, 2014

Older patients, it turns out, did not show up more often in emergency rooms because of adverse reactions to sedatives and antianxiety drugs.

From New York Times • Jul. 30, 2014

Most antianxiety meds act quickly, do their business, and then are caught by the liver—the policemen of the body—which flushes them out in less than a day.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman