depressant

American  

[dih-pres-uhnt] / dɪˈprɛs ənt /

adjective

1. Medicine/Medical. having the quality of depressing depressing or lowering the vital activities; sedative.

2. causing a lowering in spirits; dejecting.

3. causing a drop in value; economically depressing. depressing.

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noun

1. Medicine/Medical. a sedative.

2. Chemistry. any agent capable of diminishing a specific property of a substance.

depressant British  

/ dɪˈprɛsənt /

adjective

1. med able to diminish or reduce nervous or functional activity

2. causing gloom or dejection; depressing

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noun

1. a depressant drug

Etymology

Origin of depressant

First recorded in 1875–80; depress + -ant

Example Sentences

Under the new law, mifepristone and misoprostol will be added to a list comprised of opioids, depressants, and stimulants.

From Salon

For the first time for as long as I can remember, I’m happy to say I’m no longer on any anti depressants, no longer living with the constant brain fog and lethargy.

From Los Angeles Times

Caffeine is a stimulant, and alcohol is a depressant that can take the edge off too many espresso shots.

From Washington Post

I have some doubts about that being the primary depressant, considering that the second, third and fourth most morose metros on the list are all in the Sun Belt: Riverside-San Bernardino, Phoenix and Miami.

From Seattle Times

Bonjean also challenged Shapiro over her testimony that she knew the pill Cosby gave her was not a Quaalude, a depressant popular in the 1970s, because of the coding etched on it.

From Seattle Times