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Definition of sedative

sedative

/ˈsɛd.ə.tɪv/
sed · a · tive
Adverb:sedatively
•
Plural:sedatives
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sedative Lexical Profile

sedative Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A drug or substance taken for its calming or sleep-inducing effect.

Example

"The veterinarian administered a mild sedative to keep the anxious dog calm during the examination."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Promoting calm, reducing nervous excitement, or inducing sleep.

Example

"Chamomile tea is widely appreciated for its gentle sedative properties before bedtime."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for sedative

• Nearby Words

sedately
sedateness
sedation
sedative
sedentary
seder
sedge

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Middle French sédatif or Medieval Latin sedativus, derived from Latin sedatus ('composed, calm'), the past participle of sedare ('to settle, calm'), which is related to sedere ('to sit').

Cite this Entry

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