verb
sedate
To give drugs that calm or induce sleep.
The veterinarian sedates the anxious dog before its medical procedure.
Etymology
Latin sedare means to settle or calm. The medical verb specializes that calming action to the administration of drugs.
More examples
- The doctor may sedate you to help you relax during the test.
- She was lightly sedated but could still answer questions.
- Before sedating the patient, the nurse checks his medications.
Forms
Similar words
- tranquilize
- Emphasizes calming or reducing anxiety rather than inducing sleep.
- anesthetize
- Blocks sensation for medical procedures, sometimes also causing unconsciousness.