medicate

UK: ˈmedɪkeɪt | US: ˈmedɪkeɪt

Definition

  1. vt. to treat with medicine or drugs

  2. vt. to add a medicinal substance to something

Structure
medic <heal>ate <verb suffix>medic <heal>ate <verb suffix>
Etymology

The word "medicate" traces back to Latin medicatus, the past participle of medicare (to heal or treat with medicine). It combines medicus (physician) with the verbal suffix -ate, reflecting the act of applying medical treatment. The root med- appears in many medical terms (e.g., "medicine," "remedy"), emphasizing its enduring link to healing.

Examples

  1. Doctors often medicate patients to relieve pain.

  2. The pharmacist advised against self-medicating without a prescription.

  3. Ancient cultures used herbs to medicate wounds.

  4. The veterinarian will medicate the dog for its infection.

  5. Some foods are artificially medicated with vitamins.