depressant

noun

de·​pres·​sant di-ˈpre-sᵊnt How to pronounce depressant (audio)
dē-
: one that depresses
specifically : an agent that reduces a bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (such as appetite)
depressant adjective

Examples of depressant 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.
When alcohol, a depressant, enters the stomach and small intestine, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and carried to the liver. Lindsey Bever, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2024 Just as the proliferation of blood relatives was a powerful stimulant for growth during the era of China’s economic upswing, the rapid evaporation of these same networks may serve as an economic depressant and help cause a downswing. Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 7 Apr. 2021 According to Forcier, there isn’t much data on the effects of using whippets with other drugs, so the risks are unclear, though it is not recommended to use other depressants or stimulants at the same time. Katixa Espinoza, Them, 10 Oct. 2024 Suboxone, while generally safer, still carries risks, particularly if mixed with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants. Patricia Weiser, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for depressant 

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of depressant was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near depressant

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

depressant

noun
de·​pres·​sant di-ˈpres-ᵊnt How to pronounce depressant (audio)
: a substance (as a drug) that reduces the activity of bodily systems
depressant adjective

Medical Definition

depressant

1 of 2 adjective
de·​pres·​sant -ᵊnt How to pronounce depressant (audio)
: tending to depress
especially : lowering or tending to lower functional or vital activity
a drug with a depressant effect on heart rate

depressant

2 of 2 noun
: one that depresses
specifically : an agent that reduces bodily functional activity or an instinctive desire (as appetite)
a depressant of intestinal spasm
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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