sedative

[ sed-uh-tiv ]

adjective

1. tending to calm or soothe.
2. allaying irritability or excitement; assuaging pain; lowering functional activity.

noun

1. a sedative drug or agent.

sedative

/ ˈsɛdətɪv /

adjective

1. having a soothing or calming effect
2. of or relating to sedation

noun

1. med a sedative drug or agent

sedative

/ sĕd′ə-tĭv /

1. A drug having a calming or quieting effect, often given to reduce anxiety or to promote relaxation.

Other Words From

• un·seda·tive adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedative¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English (adjective), from Middle French sédatif, from Medieval Latin sēdātīvus; equivalent to sedate + -ive

Word History and Origins

Origin of sedative¹

C15: from Medieval Latin sēdātīvus, from Latin sēdātus assuaged; see sedate ¹

Example Sentences

You can tell them that the procedure is generally quick and, barring a pinch when the sedative is given, is pain-free.

From Washington Post

Hospitals in Brazil are reportedly running out of sedatives.

From Time

They placed him in a chokehold and medical personnel who arrived later injected him with a heavy dose of a sedative.

From TruthBeTold.news

Women threw themselves from the roof, shot themselves in the head, filled themselves with sedatives and hanged themselves from the curtain rods.

From Washington Post

That could have been a sign of use of illegal fentanyl, a fast-acting sedative and powerful painkiller that produces feelings of euphoria.

From Washington Post

Just as Palmer, taken in sixty-second doses, seems relaxed, so, measured over hours, he seems in need of a sedative.

From The Daily Beast

At 6.23 p.m., a doctor administered the first drug, which corrections officials identified as the sedative midazolam.

From The Daily Beast

Ohio used a mix of midazolam, a sedative, with hydromorphone, a powerful narcotic.

From The Daily Beast

Only one thing seemed to calm his wanderlust: “I find an interesting book the only sedative,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

They gave a sedative to Methos, the alpha-male wolf, because he seemed particularly anxious.

From The Daily Beast

Dorian was glad to take the sedative that promised oblivion from vexing thoughts.

From Project Gutenberg

It is no new propensity of animal nature, to find pleasure from the combination of a stimulant, and a sedative.

From Project Gutenberg

Pas-Avena is a widely advertised nerve sedative and hypnotic.

From Project Gutenberg

And added, "Indeed, what can we do for sorrow except give the body a sedative?"

From Project Gutenberg

I administer some orthodox verbal sedative, and change the subject.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• medication
• narcotic
• opiate
• sleeping pill