benzodiazepine

[ben-zoh-dahy-az-uh-peen, -ey-zuh-]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. any of a family of minor tranquilizers that act against anxiety and convulsions and produce sedation and muscle relaxation.

benzodiazepine

/ ˌbɛnzəʊdaɪˈeɪzəˌpiːn /

noun

1. any of a group of chemical compounds that are used as minor tranquillizers, such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium)

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzodiazepine¹

First recorded in 1965–70; benz- + diazep(am) + -ine ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzodiazepine¹

C20: from _benzo- + _di- ¹ + _aza- + _ep- + _-ine ²

Example Sentences

The unregistered clinic had missed he was addicted to Xanax, a benzodiazepine that cannot be mixed with Ibogaine.

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Deaths involving benzodiazepines - including prescribed diazepam and counterfeit tablets such as 'street Valium' - rose rapidly over the last decade and were a major factor in the drug deaths crisis.

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He said because both benzodiazepines and nitazenes were depressants, “their combined effect increases the risk of overdose significantly”.

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The report also confirms psychoactive substances such as benzodiazepines are posing significant dangers.

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Nitazines, often mixed into heroin, are now being cut with benzodiazepines too.

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Related Words

• sedative