anesthetic
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌænəˈsθɛtɪk/
KK: /ˌænəˈsθɛtɪk/
adjective
Definition
Describing something that causes a loss of sensation or awareness, often used in medical contexts to refer to substances that numb or relieve pain.
Example
The doctor used an anesthetic to ensure the patient felt no pain during the surgery.
Comparatives & Superlatives
Comparative: more anesthetic
Superlative: most anesthetic
Conversation
Did you feel any pain during the procedure?
Not really, they used a really good anesthetic on me.
That's good to hear! I hate the thought of being in pain.
Yeah, it definitely helps to be anesthetic during those moments.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
numbing
insensitive
sedative
Antonyms
sensitive
aware
alert
noun
Definition
A substance that causes a loss of feeling or awareness, often used during medical procedures to prevent pain.
Example
The doctor administered an anesthetic before the surgery to ensure the patient felt no pain.
Conversation
Have you ever had to use an anesthetic during a procedure?
Yeah, I had it when I got my wisdom teeth removed.
Was it effective? I’ve heard it can really help with the pain.
Root Explanation
Anesthetic → It is formed from "an-" (meaning without) and "aisthesis" (from Greek, meaning sensation or feeling). The word "anesthetic" refers to a substance that causes a loss of sensation or feeling.
Memory Tip
Think of 'without' ('an-') sensation ('aisthesis') to remember that an anesthetic is something that takes away feeling.
Visually Confused Words
panesthetic
aesthetic
apesthetic
aesthetics
preanesthetic
antiaesthetic
unaesthetic
synesthetic