tranquilizer

noun

tran·​quil·​iz·​er ˈtraŋ-kwə-ˌlī-zər 

ˈtran-

variants or less commonly tranquillizer

1

: a drug used to reduce mental disturbance (such as anxiety and tension) compare antipsychotic

2

: one that tranquilizes

Examples of tranquilizer in a Sentence

a patient who is on tranquilizers

Recent Examples on the Web

Following his 2017 indictment for marijuana usage, which remains strictly forbidden in South Korea, Seung-hyun overdosed on tranquilizers. —Glenn Garner, Deadline, 28 Dec. 2024

Today, some health researchers theorize there’s a silver lining in the presence of these dangerous tranquilizers. —Maurice Tamman, USA TODAY, 22 Dec. 2024

This too is a common sight, and a symptom of fentanyl laced with the veterinary tranquilizer xylazine. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 19 Dec. 2024

In the park, the medical outreach team handed out glass pipes and test kits that can detect fentanyl or veterinary tranquilizer in drugs before they’re consumed, possibly saving lives. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 19 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1800, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

tranquilizer

noun

tran·​quil·​iz·​er

variants also tranquillizer

ˈtraŋ-kwə-ˌlī-zər 

ˈtran-

: one that tranquilizes

especially : a drug used to reduce anxiety and nervous tension

Medical Definition

tranquilizer

noun

tran·​quil·​iz·​er

variants or chiefly British tranquillizer or tranquilliser

-ˌlī-zər 

: a drug used to reduce mental disturbance (as anxiety and tension) see antipsychotic