Sedative - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A sedative is a substance or drug that calms or relaxes the nervous system, often used to reduce anxiety, induce sleep, or ease tension. It slows down brain activity.
Definition:
A drug or substance that calms or reduces nervousness or excitement.
Synonyms:
tranquilizer, calmative, depressant, relaxant
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
stimulant, energizer
Common Collocations:
sedative effect, sedative medication, mild sedative, powerful sedative
Derivatives:
sedation, sedated
Usage Tips:
Use 'sedative' to describe calming substances; as an adjective, it modifies nouns like 'effect' or 'drug.'
Common Phrases:
take a sedative, under sedation, sedative properties
Etymology:
From Latin 'sedativus,' meaning 'calming,' derived from 'sedare' (to settle).
Examples:
- 1. The doctor prescribed a mild sedative to help her sleep.
- 2. After surgery, he felt groggy from the sedative.
- 3. Some teas have natural sedative effects.
- 4. The nurse administered a sedative to calm the anxious patient.