tranquilizer

noun

tran·​quil·​iz·​er ˈtraŋ-kwə-ˌlī-zər How to pronounce tranquilizer (audio)
ˈtran-
variants or less commonly tranquillizer
1
: a drug used to reduce mental disturbance (such as anxiety and tension) compare antipsychotic
2
: one that tranquilizes

Examples of tranquilizer in a Sentence

a patient who is on tranquilizers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The tranquilizer is not to punish the people of Snowpiercer but is located in the back car, positioned perfectly for an ambush when Big Alice arrives. Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 4 Aug. 2024 This may include antipsychotics (which block dopamine receptors in the brain), antidepressants, and tranquilizers (drugs that reduce anxiety, fear, and tension).13 Medication alone does not usually resolve symptoms. Sherri Gordon, Health, 17 Oct. 2024 The princesses were plied with tranquilizers, cocaine, amphetamines, and alcohol; they were guarded at all times, abused, and deprived of food and water. E. Tammy Kim, The New Yorker, 10 Oct. 2024 Buzbee also mentioned that many of his clients alleged that Diddy used horse tranquilizers to sedate them. Amber Corrine, VIBE.com, 2 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for tranquilizer 

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of tranquilizer was in 1800

Dictionary Entries Near tranquilizer

Cite this Entry

“Tranquilizer.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tranquilizer. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

tranquilizer

noun
tran·​quil·​iz·​er
variants also tranquillizer
: one that tranquilizes
especially : a drug used to reduce anxiety and nervous tension

Medical Definition

tranquilizer

noun
tran·​quil·​iz·​er
variants or chiefly British tranquillizer or tranquilliser
: a drug used to reduce mental disturbance (as anxiety and tension) see antipsychotic
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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