Definition

A type of medication that belongs to a group of chemical compounds, often used to treat anxiety, relax muscles, induce sleep, and control seizures.

Example

The doctor prescribed a benzodiazepine to help manage her anxiety symptoms.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of benzodiazepine?

Yeah, I think it's used for anxiety, right?

Exactly! It's a type of medication that helps people relax.

I wonder if it really works for everyone.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Benzodiazepine → It is formed from "benzo-" (derived from "benzene", a chemical compound) and "diazepine" (from "diazine", a type of chemical compound with two nitrogen atoms in a six-membered ring). The word refers to a class of psychoactive drugs that contain a benzene ring and a diazepine structure, commonly used for their sedative effects.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'benzene' part as a chemical structure and 'diazepine' as a specific type of compound with nitrogen. This helps you remember that benzodiazepines are a class of drugs with a unique chemical makeup.

Visually Confused Words