sedation
Americannoun
-
the calming of mental excitement or abatement of physiological function, especially by the administration of a drug.
-
the state so induced.
noun
-
a state of calm or reduced nervous activity
-
the administration of a sedative
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of sedation
First recorded in 1535–45; from Latin sēdātiōn-, stem of sēdātiō; equivalent to sedate + -ion
Explanation
Sedation is either the state of being relaxed or sleepy because of a drug, or the act of drugging someone with a sedative. Sedatives are drugs that people take to relax or fall asleep, and sedation has two related meanings. Sedation can be the condition of someone who has taken a sedative. You're in a state of sedation if you're relaxed, mellow, sleepy, or low-key because of a drug. Also, sedation can be the action of doctors or nurses in calming someone through drugs. A nurse may put a patient under sedation if they can't sleep. Sedation is an act of drugging.
Vocabulary lists containing sedation
Ugly
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Return to Sender
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
All Thirteen
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Sedation, painkillers or anesthesia must be provided when animals experience more than momentary or slight pain.
From Salon • Dec. 8, 2022
Sedation and painkillers are allowed “even if they may shorten the person’s life.”
From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2022
Sedation may be needed, for example, if a 3-year-old requires root canals for badly decayed molars or has a throbbing abscess, said Dr. Casamassimo, who sedates children at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus.
From New York Times • Aug. 24, 2017
Sedation involves a drug-induced blockage of anxiety and fear.
From The Guardian • Feb. 7, 2016
Sedation — to manage pain and compel patients to lie still and not fight the ventilator — is crucial in the I.C.U.
From New York Times • Jul. 22, 2013
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
