Definition

Noun: * A pungent preparation of ammonium carbonate and perfume; sniffed as a stimulant to relieve faintness: A small, solid preparation, often contained in a small bottle or capsule, that releases a strong, sharp odor when crushed or opened. It is inhaled to rouse someone from fainting, dizziness, or a state of lethargy.

Usage

• Primary Use: Used as a first-aid remedy to revive a person who has fainted or feels lightheaded. The strong, irritating vapor triggers an inhalation reflex, stimulating the person to breathe more deeply and regain consciousness.
• Context: Typically found in historical, medical, or dramatic contexts. While once common, their use in modern first aid is less frequent.

Examples

• The Victorian lady carried smelling salts in her purse in case she felt faint in the crowded ballroom.
• The boxer was revived with smelling salts after being knocked down.
• In the old film, the character waved a vial of smelling salts under the fainting woman's nose.

Advanced Usage

• Metaphorical Use: Can be used figuratively to describe something shocking or surprising that jolts people into awareness or action.
  • The scandalous report served as smelling salts for the complacent committee, shocking them into finally addressing the issue.

Variants and Related Words

• Aromatic spirits of ammonia: A liquid preparation with a similar stimulant use, often considered a more modern or medical term for a related substance.
• Reviver, stimulant: General terms for something that restores consciousness or alertness.

Synonyms

• Restorative (a substance that restores health or consciousness).
• Reviver.
• Stimulant (a substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity).

Idioms and Phrases

• To need (a dose of) smelling salts: Used humorously or hyperbolically to suggest someone is acting faint, overly dramatic, or out of touch with reality and needs to be shocked back to their senses.
  • When he heard the price, he looked like he needed smelling salts.

Noun

1. a pungent preparation of ammonium carbonate and perfume; sniffed as a stimulant to relieve faintness