painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌki-lər 

variants or less commonly pain-killer

: something (such as a drug) that relieves pain

pain-killing

ˈpān-ˌki-liŋ 

adjective

or painkilling

Synonyms

• analgesic
• anesthetic
• anodyne

Examples of painkiller in a Sentence

I took some over-the-counter painkillers for my headache.

after her oral surgery, she was given a prescription for a mild painkiller

Recent Examples on the Web

OxyContin, a painkiller, spurred an epidemic of opioid addiction. —Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024

The idea of a painkiller that’s effective, non-addictive, and doesn’t wreck your body sounds almost too good to be true—but that’s exactly what this research aims to deliver. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 11 Dec. 2024

Stop by before dinner for a mojito or a painkiller, or try a flight of the Jamaican rums, from Appleton Estate’s smooth 8 YO reserve, to the raw power of J. Wray & Nephew’s white overproof, at 63% alcohol. —Sofia Perez, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024

Specific over-the-counter painkillers can treat fever and headache, while certain decongestants can help if you’re congested. —Maggie O'Neill, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1849, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er ˈpān-ˌkil-ər 

: something (as a drug) that relieves pain

painkilling

-iŋ 

adjective

Medical Definition

painkiller

noun

pain·​kill·​er -ˌkil-ər 

: something (as a drug) that relieves pain

painkilling

-iŋ 

adjective