depressant

noun

de·​pres·​sant di-ˈpre-sᵊnt 

dē-

: one that depresses

specifically : an agent that reduces a bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (such as appetite)

depressant adjective

Examples of depressant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This category includes the depressants Valium, Xanax and Ativan, among others. Antipsychotics, a class of drug that addresses psychosis symptoms in a variety of ways. Antidepressants, which relieve symptoms of depression by affecting neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. —Ashley Bradford, The Conversation, 10 Jan. 2025

Taking Vicodin or Percocet with CNS depressants can cause severe drowsiness, decreased awareness, breathing problems, coma, and death. —Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 3 Jan. 2025

Alcohol is a depressant that can cause feelings of anxiety, sadness and depression. —Letters To The Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Dec. 2024

When alcohol, a depressant, enters the stomach and small intestine, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the liver. —Lindsey Bever, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

depressant

noun

de·​pres·​sant di-ˈpres-ᵊnt 

: a substance (as a drug) that reduces the activity of bodily systems

depressant adjective

Medical Definition

depressant

1 of 2 adjective

de·​pres·​sant -ᵊnt 

: tending to depress

especially : lowering or tending to lower functional or vital activity

a drug with a depressant effect on heart rate

depressant

2 of 2 noun

: one that depresses

specifically : an agent that reduces bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (as appetite)

a depressant of intestinal spasm