sedative
Sedative (noun) means a drug that calms a person or induces sleep. Example: “The doctor prescribed a mild sedative to help her sleep.”
How to use sedative
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething (usually a drug) that calms you down or helps you sleep.
Word forms
more sedative comparative, sedatives plural, most sedative superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The doctor prescribed a mild _____ to help her sleep.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin sedativus, from the same root as "sedate" — Latin sedare, "to calm."
Synonyms
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Rhymes for sedative
See all rhymes for sedative →Frequently asked questions
What does “sedative” mean?
The word “sedative” means a drug that calms a person or induces sleep. In plain terms, something (usually a drug) that calms you down or helps you sleep.
How do you pronounce “sedative”?
“Sedative” is pronounced SEH-duh-tihv (/ˈsɛdətɪv/ in IPA).
How do you use “sedative” in a sentence?
Here is “sedative” used in a sentence: “The doctor prescribed a mild sedative to help her sleep.”
What part of speech is “sedative”?
Depending on how it is used, “sedative” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “sedative” come from?
The word “sedative” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin sedativus, from the same root as "sedate" — Latin sedare, "to calm.".
How many meanings does “sedative” have?
“Sedative” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a drug that calms a person or induces sleep.