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

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

On the other hand, cannabis is a substance that can be a stimulant or a depressant. —Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024

Because alcohol is a depressant, many people use it as a way to self-medicate and temporarily manage mania. —Maya Richard-Craven, Forbes, 24 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