sedative — a drug or substance that makes someone calm or sleepy
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a drug or substance that makes someone calm or sleepy
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsedətɪv/
Example Sentences
- My mom's lullabies work better than any sedative - I'm knocked out in seconds!
- The patient was given a sedative before the surgery to reduce anxiety.
- Chamomile tea has a natural sedative quality that promotes better sleep.
sedative
NOUN[/ˈsedətɪv/]
a drug or substance that makes someone calm or sleepy
Sedative calms anxious patient peacefully
When competitive stress turns negative, try a sedative
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
Derived from Latin 'sedatus' (calm, composed), which itself originates from 'sedere' (to sit). The semantic evolution reflects the metaphorical notion of 'settling' or 'calming' an agitated mind, as one would settle into a seated position.
Breakdown
sedare (to calm, to settle) + -ive (adjective suffix forming words that denote a tendency or capacity to perform an action).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My mom's lullabies work better than any sedative - I'm knocked out in seconds!”
“The patient was given a sedative before the surgery to reduce anxiety.”
“Chamomile tea has a natural sedative quality that promotes better sleep.”
“My accounting class is so boring, it should be classified as a sedative!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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