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

See Examples For:

parasympathetic

By focusing on a single anchor—like your breath or a phrase—you shift your brain out of its fight-or-flight mode and activate your parasympathetic nervous system, which controls your body’s “rest and digest” functions.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 27, 2026

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 average heartbeat slows down, and the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, which plays an important role in controlling the internal organs, increases."

From Science Daily ● Oct. 10, 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

It requires just a bit of time, a mirror and some positive affirmations — and a 2017 study found it to be an impactful self-compassion exercise that soothes the parasympathetic nervous system.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2023