tranquilizer

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tranquilizer

The veterinarian administers a tranquilizer to the anxious dog.

Definition

Noun: A tranquilizer is a type of drug or medication used to reduce anxiety, stress, or tension. It works by calming the nervous system without significantly impairing mental clarity or consciousness. These drugs are often prescribed to treat conditions like anxiety disorders or severe agitation.

Usage

A tranquilizer is typically administered to induce a state of calmness. It is used in medical and psychiatric contexts. - The doctor prescribed a tranquilizer to help manage her acute anxiety. - The agitated patient was given a tranquilizer to help him relax.

Advanced Usage
  • Major/Minor Tranquilizer: In older or more technical classifications, "major tranquilizer" was a term for antipsychotic drugs, while "minor tranquilizer" referred to anti-anxiety medications like benzodiazepines. This terminology is less common in modern clinical practice.
    • The old textbooks referred to the medication as a major tranquilizer.
Variants and Related Words
  • Tranquillizer: An alternative spelling, chiefly British English.
  • Tranquilize (verb): To administer a tranquilizer or to become calm.
    • The veterinarian will tranquilize the animal for the procedure.
  • Tranquilizing (adjective): Having a calming or sedative effect.
    • The music had a tranquilizing effect on the crowd.
Synonyms
  • Sedative: A drug that calms or induces sleep. (Note: A sedative may more strongly imply drowsiness.)
  • Anxiolytic: A clinical term for a drug that reduces anxiety.
  • Calmative: Something that has a calming effect.
Antonyms
  • Stimulant: A substance that increases physiological or nervous activity.
  • Anxiogenic: A substance that tends to cause anxiety.
tranquilizer

The veterinarian administers a tranquilizer to the anxious dog.

Noun
  1. a drug used to reduce stress or tension without reducing mental clarity