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depressant
noun
de·pres·sant
di-ˈpre-sᵊnt
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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1876, in the meaning defined above
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
: a substance (as a drug) that reduces the activity of bodily systems
depressant
adjective
Medical Definition
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
More from Merriam-Webster on depressant
Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for depressant
Nglish: Translation of depressant for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about depressant
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