sedative meaning

UK US /ˈsɛdətɪv/ 3 syllables

sedative (adjective): tending to soothe or tranquilize.

sedative has 2 meanings in this dictionary, as adjective and noun.

sedative as an adjective

  1. tending to soothe or tranquilize
    • valium has a tranquilizing effect
    • took a hot drink with sedative properties before going to bed

    Synonyms: ataractic, ataraxic, tranquilizing, tranquillizing, tranquilising, tranquillising

    Similar: depressant

    Related forms: sedate

sedative as a noun

  1. a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person

    Synonyms: sedative drug, depressant, downer

    Type of: medicine, drug of abuse

    Kinds: chloral hydrate, glutethimide, sedative-hypnotic

How to pronounce sedative

sedative is pronounced /ˈsɛdətɪv/ in American English. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.

Word lists: words starting with SE · words ending in VE · 8-letter words

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