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Definition of medicate

medicate

/ˈmɛd.ɪ.keɪt/
med · i · cate
Adjective:medicated
•
Past Simple:medicated
•
Past Participle:medicated
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Present Participle:medicating
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medicate Lexical Profile

medicate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To administer medicine or a drug to (a patient) in order to treat an illness, injury, or symptom.

Example

"The veterinarian decided to medicate the anxious dog before the long flight."

2

To impregnate or infuse (a substance, such as a soap, lotion, or lozenge) with a medicinal agent.

Example

"Manufacturers often medicate throat lozenges with menthol and eucalyptus oil to soothe coughs."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for medicate

• Rhymes for medicate

• Nearby Words

medical
medically
medicare
medicate
medication
medicinal
medicinally

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin medicatus, the past participle of medicare ('to heal, cure, or treat with medicine'), derived from medicus ('physician').

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Medicate. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/medicate
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