tranquilliser
Definition
Noun: 1. A drug used to reduce anxiety, nervousness, or tension without causing significant sedation or impairing mental clarity: A type of medication, also known as a minor tranquilizer or anxiolytic, primarily prescribed to relieve symptoms of anxiety and stress while allowing the user to remain alert and functional.
Usage
- Tranquillisers are prescribed by doctors for conditions like generalized anxiety disorder.
- The term is often used in a medical or clinical context to distinguish these drugs from stronger sedatives or antipsychotics.
- It is important to follow the dosage instructions carefully when taking a tranquilliser.
Examples
- The doctor prescribed a mild tranquilliser to help manage her anxiety during the stressful period.
- Some tranquillisers work by enhancing the effect of a natural calming chemical in the brain.
- He was advised not to drive after taking the tranquilliser, even though it was designed to maintain clarity.
Advanced Usage
- The spelling "tranquilliser" (with two 'l's) is common in British English, while "tranquilizer" is the standard American English spelling.
- In a broader, non-medical sense, the word can be used metaphorically: "The gentle sound of the rain acted as a tranquilliser for his troubled mind."
Variants and Related Words
- Tranquilizer (noun): The American English spelling of "tranquilliser".
- Anxiolytic (noun, technical): A more clinical term for a drug that reduces anxiety.
- Sedative (noun): A broader category of drugs that calm or induce sleep; all tranquillisers are sedatives, but not all sedatives are tranquillisers (some cause more drowsiness).
- Tranquillise / Tranquilize (verb): To administer a tranquilliser or to make calm. (e.g., The veterinarian will tranquillise the animal before the procedure.)
Synonyms
- Anti-anxiety drug
- Calmative
- Anxiolytic (technical)
Antonyms
- Stimulant
- Anxiogenic (substance that induces anxiety)
Related Phrases
- Minor tranquilliser: Another term used to distinguish these from "major tranquillisers" (antipsychotics).
- Benzodiazepine: The name of a common class of drugs that function as tranquillisers (e.g., diazepam).
Noun
-
a drug used to reduce stress or tension without reducing mental clarity
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