ATARACTIC

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does ataractic mean? 

• ATARACTIC (noun)
  The noun ATARACTIC has 1 sense:

1. a drug used to reduce stress or tension without reducing mental clarity

  Familiarity information: ATARACTIC used as a noun is very rare.

• ATARACTIC (adjective)
  The adjective ATARACTIC has 1 sense:

1. tending to soothe or tranquilize

  Familiarity information: ATARACTIC used as an adjective is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• ATARACTIC (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A drug used to reduce stress or tension without reducing mental clarity

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

antianxiety agent; ataractic; ataractic agent; ataractic drug; tranquilizer; tranquilliser; tranquillizer

Hypernyms ("ataractic" is a kind of...):

psychotropic agent (a chemical substance that can influence human consciousness)

sedative-hypnotic; sedative-hypnotic drug (a sedative that depresses activity of the central nervous system and reduces anxiety and induces sleep)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "ataractic"):

antipsychotic; antipsychotic agent; antipsychotic drug; major tranquilizer; major tranquilliser; major tranquillizer; neuroleptic; neuroleptic agent; neuroleptic drug (tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired)

antianxiety drug; anxiolytic; anxiolytic drug; minor tranquilizer; minor tranquilliser; minor tranquillizer (a tranquilizer used to relieve anxiety and reduce tension and irritability)

Derivation:

ataractic (tending to soothe or tranquilize)

• ATARACTIC (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Tending to soothe or tranquilize

Synonyms:

ataractic; ataraxic; sedative; tranquilising; tranquilizing; tranquillising; tranquillizing

Context example:

took a hot drink with sedative properties before going to bed

Similar:

depressant (capable of depressing physiological or psychological activity or response by a chemical agent)

Derivation:

ataractic (a drug used to reduce stress or tension without reducing mental clarity)

ataraxia (peace of mind)