tranquilizer
UK: ˈtræŋkwɪlaɪzə | US: ˈtræŋkwəlaɪzər
n. a drug or agent used to reduce anxiety or agitation; a sedative.
n. something that calms or soothes.
tranquilizer = tranquil<calm> + izer<agent suffix>
- tranquil (from Latin tranquillus, meaning "calm, quiet")
- izer (agentive suffix derived from -ize + -er, indicating "one who or that which performs an action")
Etymology Origin:
The word "tranquilizer" combines "tranquil," rooted in Latin tranquillus (calm), with the suffix "-izer," which turns verbs into nouns denoting agents. Originally used in the mid-19th century for substances inducing calmness, it later specialized in pharmacology for sedative drugs. The logic mirrors Latin tranquillare ("to make calm"), evolving into a modern medical term.
The veterinarian administered a tranquilizer to the anxious dog before the procedure.
Some people use music as a natural tranquilizer to relieve stress.
The doctor prescribed a mild tranquilizer for her insomnia.
Wildlife researchers often use tranquilizers to safely study animals in the wild.
Overuse of tranquilizers can lead to dependency and other health issues.