analgesic
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌæn.əlˈdʒiː.zɪk/
KK: /ˌæn.əlˈdʒiː.zɪk/
adjective
Definition
Relating to or causing the absence of pain.
Example
The doctor prescribed an analgesic medication to help relieve her headache.
Conversation
I heard that new medication has an amazing analgesic effect.
Really? I've been looking for something to help with my headaches.
Yeah, it might be worth asking your doctor about it.
I will! Anything that can help with pain sounds great.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pain-relieving
soothing
calming
Antonyms
painful
aggravating
distressing
noun
Definition
A type of medicine that helps to relieve or reduce pain.
Example
The doctor prescribed an analgesic to help with my headache.
Conversation
I have a terrible headache today.
Have you taken any analgesic?
Not yet, but I think I should get some soon.
Root Explanation
Analgesic → It is formed from "an-" (meaning without) and "algos" (meaning pain) from Greek. The word describes a substance that relieves pain, effectively meaning 'without pain.'
Memory Tip
Think of 'without' ('an-') and 'pain' ('algos') to remember that an analgesic is something that helps you be free from pain.
Visually Confused Words
antalgesic
algesic
paralgesic