Definition

To treat someone with medicine to help them feel better or to cure an illness.

Example

The doctor decided to medicate the patient to relieve their pain.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I’ve been feeling a bit under the weather lately.

Oh no! Have you seen a doctor yet?

Yeah, they prescribed something to medicate my symptoms.

That’s good! I hope you start feeling better soon.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Medicate → It is formed from "medicus" (meaning physician or healer) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to make or to cause). The word "medicate" means to make or cause to heal, typically through the use of medicine.

Memory Tip

Think of a physician ('medicus') making someone better — that's why medicate means to treat with medicine.

Visually Confused Words