sedation

noun

se·​da·​tion si-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the inducing of a relaxed easy state especially by the use of sedatives

2

: a state resulting from or as if from sedation

Examples of sedation in a Sentence

For some patients, sedation may be necessary.

Recent Examples on the Web

That's why some tattoo shops have started offering clients anesthesia — sedation that’s previously been reserved for surgery. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025

Taking it with alcohol can be dangerous, leading to excessive sedation and even overdose. —Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 7 Apr. 2025

Naloxone is still recommended for a person showing signs of opioid overdose – such as excess sedation, shallow or absent breathing and small pupils. —Karen Alexander, The Conversation, 26 Mar. 2025

The brief argued that using the state’s three-drug lethal injection procedure on Tanzi could result in issues such as a sedation drug not fully taking effect and difficulties in placing intravenous lines. —Jim Saunders, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for sedation

• ablation
• bination
• carnation
• cassation
• castration
• causation
• centration
• cessation
• cetacean
• chelation
• citation
• collation

Medical Definition

sedation

noun

se·​da·​tion si-ˈdā-shən 

1

: the inducing of a relaxed easy state especially by the use of sedatives

2

: a state resulting from sedation see conscious sedation, deep sedation