Adjective: sedative se-du-tiv
- Tending to soothe or tranquilize
"took a hot drink with sedative properties before going to bed";
- ataractic, ataraxic, tranquilizing [N. Amer], tranquillizing [Brit], tranquillising [Brit]
- A drug that reduces excitability and calms a person
"The doctor prescribed a mild sedative to help with his insomnia";
- sedative drug, depressant, downer [informal]
Derived forms: sedatives
See also: depressant
Type of: drug of abuse, med [informal], medicament, medication, medicinal drug, medicine, street drug
Encyclopedia: Sedative, hypnotic, or anxiotylic use disorder