Meaning & use
depressant
Last updated
A drug or substance that reduces nervous or functional activity, often producing a calming or sedative effect.
See it in a sentence
Alcohol is classified as a central nervous system depressant.
The doctor warned against mixing the prescribed depressant with other sedatives.
A note on using this word
Commonly contrasted with 'stimulant,' which increases activity rather than reducing it.
Words with a similar meaning
sedativetranquilizer
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Words with an opposite meaning
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