painkiller
Americannoun
-
painkillers
plural
noun
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an analgesic drug or agent
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anything that relieves pain
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of painkiller
Explanation
A painkiller is a medicine that's used to dull or relieve pain, like the painkiller your dad gives you when you have a bad headache. Painkillers are meant to do exactly what their name says: to kill pain. You can also call this kind of medication an analgesic. These range from aspirin and acetaminophen, which are sold over the counter to treat minor aches and pains, to powerful anesthetics administered by doctors before surgery. If you get your wisdom teeth removed, you'll most likely need a painkiller during and after the procedure.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Scientific research has not identified causality between taking the painkiller and the development of those conditions in children.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
A link hasn’t been proven, and major medical groups have long recommended acetaminophen as the preferable painkiller for pregnant women.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 13, 2026
A US appeals court on Monday vacated the dismissal of hundreds of private lawsuits against Tylenol-maker Kenvue that allege scientifically unproven ties of the painkiller to autism.
From Barron's ● Jul. 13, 2026
While still an effective painkiller, ibuprofen can be a better choice for period pain because it blocks the production of prostaglandins - the chemical responsible for causing the cramping contractions of muscles in the womb.
From BBC ● Jun. 14, 2026
I'm a drone, painkiller makes the blankets feel too heavy, except I'm not under the blankets.
From "Burning Blue" by Paul Griffin
Mr. Vlasenko’s companions kept him alive for months with drone deliveries of medicine, including antibiotics, painkillers and topical antiseptic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
More importantly, the approach may help address something painkillers cannot: the excessive pressure on knee joints that contributes to osteoarthritis progression.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 11, 2026
Our investigation found all five patients had been prescribed medications, all were on antibiotics and two of the women were on powerful painkillers.
From BBC ● Sep. 25, 2026
In Pasadena, volunteers at the restaurant Chamo Venezuelan Cuisine collected supplies, issuing a special plea for bandages, gauze, painkillers and other over-the-counter medicines.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 29, 2026
“You woke up once, but you fell back asleep. Dr. Han said the painkillers would knock you out, so I guess they did the job.”
From "Internment" by Samira Ahmed
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