VocabDictionary

sedative

/ˈsɛd.ə.tɪv/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A drug or substance taken for its calming or sleep-inducing effect.

Example Sentences:
  • The doctor prescribed a mild sedative to help the patient cope with their anxiety before the surgery.
  • The veterinarian administered a sedative to the dog to keep it still during the examination.
2.adjective

Promoting calm or inducing sleep; having a soothing or tranquilizing effect.

Example Sentences:
  • The rhythmic sound of the ocean waves had a sedative effect on the restless crowd.
  • She found the soft, ambient music to be quite sedative after a long, stressful day at work.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “sedative”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'sedativus', from the verb 'sedare' meaning 'to settle, calm, or allay', which itself is a causative form of 'sedere' meaning 'to sit'. The underlying concept is that of causing someone to 'sit down' or become still.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'sedated' person who is so calm they just want to 'sit' (sed-) down and sleep.

Frequently Asked Questions About “sedative

1. What is the meaning of “sedative” in English?

In English, sedative (noun) is defined as: “A drug or substance taken for its calming or sleep-inducing effect.”.

2. How do you use “sedative” in a sentence?

The doctor prescribed a mild sedative to help the patient cope with their anxiety before the surgery.

3. What are English synonyms of “sedative”?

Common synonyms include:tranquilizer,depressant,calmative,soothing

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “sedative”?

Derived from the Latin 'sedativus', from the verb 'sedare' meaning 'to settle, calm, or allay', which itself is a causative form of 'sedere' meaning 'to sit'. The underlying concept is that of causing someone to 'sit down' or become still.