tranquilize

American  

[trang-kwuh-lahyz] / ˈtræŋ kwəˌlaɪz /

especially British, tranquillise or tranquillize

verb (used with or without object)

tranquilized, tranquilizing

1. to make or become tranquil.

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Other Word Forms

• tranquilization noun
• untranquilize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of tranquilize

First recorded in 1615–25; tranquil + -ize

Explanation

If your cat Fluffy seems dazed after a visit to the vet, it’s probably because the vet had to tranquilize her. In other words, Fluffy was given a drug to calm her down or make her sleep. When doctors tranquilize a patient, it's usually to calm or relax the person before a medical procedure or after some trauma. It's more common to hear the verb tranquilize in the context of animal medicine or encounters with wild animals. For example, if a bear wanders into a suburban neighborhood, officials might use a dart gun to tranquilize it; they can then safely capture and relocate the bear. The root word, tranquil, comes from the Latin tranquillus, meaning "quiet."

Example Sentences

Since then, local forest authorities are trying to tranquilize the remaining cheetahs to check for any diseases.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 20, 2023

This let police, along with a veterinarian from the National Zoo and animal welfare activists from the Humane Rescue Alliance, tranquilize the bear at 10:15 a.m.

From Washington Times • Jun. 9, 2023

The sheep, out of its element and skittish from the crashing waves, ruined the first day of the session, so a veterinarian was called in to tranquilize the animal for day two.

From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2023

After attempts to dart or tranquilize the mountain lion proved difficult, wildlife officials captured the animal across the street from the Brentwood Country Club shortly after 4 p.m.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 27, 2022

All she had done today was tranquilize a few dogs.

From "Scythe" by Neal Shusterman

Related Words

• sedate