tran·quil·ize

also tran·quil·lize (trăng′kwə-līz′, trăn′-)

v. tran·quil·ized, tran·quil·iz·ing, tran·quil·iz·es also tran·quil·lized or tran·quil·liz·ing or tran·quil·liz·es

v.tr.

1. To make tranquil; pacify: "Nothing contributes so much to tranquilize the mind as a steady purpose" (Mary Shelley).

2. To sedate or relieve of anxiety or tension by the administration of a drug.

v.intr.

1. To become tranquil; relax.

2. To have a calming or soothing effect.

tran′quil·i·za′tion (-kwə-lĭ-zā′shən) n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Adj.

tranquillizing - tending to soothe or tranquilize; "valium has a tranquilizing effect"; "took a hot drink with sedative properties before going to bed"

ataractic, ataraxic, sedative, tranquilising, tranquilizing, tranquillising

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

Mentioned in

References in classic literature

But the tranquillizing influence of beautiful scenery, and the exhibition of human life under so novel and charming an aspect were not my only sources of consolation.

View in context

A hearty supper, a tranquillizing pipe, and a sound night's sleep, put them all in better mood, and in the morning they held a consultation as to their future movements.

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