Definition

Reducing or eliminating discomfort or suffering caused by injury or illness.

Example

The doctor prescribed a painkilling medication to help with her back pain.

Conversation

I heard that new medicine has a great painkilling effect.

Really? I've been looking for something to help my back pain.

Yeah, they say it works quickly and lasts a long time.

That sounds perfect! I should definitely give it a try.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Painkilling → It is formed from "pain" (from Old French *paine*, meaning physical suffering) and "killing" (from Old English *cyning*, meaning to cause to cease or end). The word "painkilling" refers to the act of causing pain to cease or end.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'pain' as the suffering you want to stop, and 'killing' as the action of making it cease. This helps you remember that painkilling means to stop or relieve pain.

Visually Confused Words