Depressant

Quick meaning: Depressant is a noun meaning (pharmacology) A pharmacological substance which decreases neuronal or physiological activity.

Meaning

(pharmacology) A pharmacological substance which decreases neuronal or physiological activity.

More Meanings

1. (mining) An agent that inhibits the flotation of a mineral or minerals.
2. (pharmacology) Reducing functional or nervous activity.

Example Sentences

the conception of the asomatous depressant malaria

Alcohol acts first as a stimulant and then as a depressant.

On the opposite end of the drug side effect spectrum are downers. This slang term refers to CNS depressants, the types of drugs that produce a sedative effect by slowing down the messages sent and received between the central nervous system and the brain.

The prescription painkiller Emily Jackson took is a respiratory depressant that slows breathing. That in combination with the alcohol, another respiratory depressant, overwhelmed her brain, which stopped giving her heart and lungs the signal to keep functioning.

Word Forms

• depressants

Synonyms for depressant

Depending on context, synonyms include soporific, narcotic, soporiferous, tranquilizing, sedative, downer.

Antonyms for depressant

Common opposites include stimulative.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include ataraxic, sedative, ataractic, tranquilizing, narcotic, somniferous.

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