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

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

Just as the proliferation of blood relatives was a powerful stimulant for growth during the era of China’s economic upswing, the rapid evaporation of these same networks may serve as an economic depressant and help cause a downswing. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2021

According to Forcier, there isn’t much data on the effects of using whippets with other drugs, so the risks are unclear, though it is not recommended to use other depressants or stimulants at the same time. —Katixa Espinoza, Them, 10 Oct. 2024

Suboxone, while generally safer, still carries risks, particularly if mixed with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 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