anxiolytic

noun

an·​xi·​o·​lyt·​ic ˌaŋ-zē-ō-ˈli-tik How to pronounce anxiolytic (audio)
ˌaŋ(k)-sē-
: a drug that relieves anxiety
anxiolytic adjective

Examples of anxiolytic in a Sentence

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.
Another major consideration for travel, whether is be by car, plane or train, is the potential need for anxiolytics or sedation. Dr. Devon B. Smith, Baltimore Sun, 15 Nov. 2024 One study looked at people taking hypnotics or anxiolytics—anti-anxiety medications— consistently for three years. Sayaka Blickenderfer, Health, 16 Mar. 2024 What are benzodiazepines? Benzodiazepines are a class of anti-anxiety medications, or anxiolytics, that increase the activity of the gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain. Arash Javanbakht, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French anxiolytique, adjective, from anxiété anxiety + -o- -o- + -lytique -lytic

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anxiolytic was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near anxiolytic

Cite this Entry

“Anxiolytic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anxiolytic. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

anxiolytic

1 of 2 noun
anx·​io·​lyt·​ic ˌaŋ-zē-ō-ˈlit-ik How to pronounce anxiolytic (audio) ˌaŋ(k)-sē- How to pronounce anxiolytic (audio)
: a drug that relieves anxiety

anxiolytic

2 of 2 adjective
: relieving anxiety

More from Merriam-Webster on anxiolytic

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