benzodiazepine

noun

ben·​zo·​di·​az·​e·​pine ˌben-zō-dī-ˈa-zə-ˌpēn 

: any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used especially as tranquilizers

Examples of benzodiazepine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It should also not be mixed with other drugs, including benzodiazepines, gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), and opioids. —Heather Jones, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2024

In its 2023 report, Energy Control found that Colombian manufacturers were starting to add addictive substances like benzodiazepines to batches of tusi. —Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

Both medications belong to the same drug class, benzodiazepines. —Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 20 Sep. 2024

When necessary, clinicians sometimes prescribe small doses of sedative benzodiazepine medications to discourage sleepwalking, Auerbach says. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 23 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

benz- + di- + az- + -epine (from hepta- + -ine entry 2)

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

benzodiazepine

noun

ben·​zo·​di·​az·​e·​pine ˌben-zō-dī-ˈaz-ə-ˌpēn 

: any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used especially as tranquilizers