adjective
- tending to calm or soothe.
- allaying irritability or excitement; assuaging pain; lowering functional activity.
noun
- a sedative drug or agent.
adjective
- having a soothing or calming effect
- of or relating to sedation
noun
- med a sedative drug or agent
adj.“tending to calm or soothe,” early 15c., from Medieval Latin sedativus “calming, allaying,” from sedat-, past participle stem of sedare, causative of sedere “to sit” (see sedentary). The noun derivative meaning “a sedative drug” is attested from 1785. Hence, “whatever soothes or allays.” adj.
- Having a soothing, calming, or tranquilizing effect; reducing or relieving anxiety, stress, irritability, or excitement.
n.
- An agent or a drug that produces a soothing, calming, or tranquilizing effect.
- A drug having a calming or quieting effect, often given to reduce anxiety or to promote relaxation.