Definition

Relating to a type of treatment or drug that reduces or opposes the effects of the sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for the body's 'fight or flight' response.

Example

The doctor prescribed a sympatholytic medication to help lower the patient's blood pressure.

Conversation

Have you heard about that new medication that’s sympatholytic?

Yeah, I read it helps reduce anxiety by calming the nervous system.

That sounds interesting! I wonder how effective it really is.

I think it could be helpful for people who struggle with stress.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

A type of medication that reduces the activity of the sympathetic nervous system, often used to help lower blood pressure.

Example

The doctor prescribed a sympatholytic to help manage her high blood pressure.

Conversation

I heard that a new sympatholytic drug is being tested for high blood pressure.

Really? That sounds interesting! How does it work?

It helps lower blood pressure by blocking certain signals in the body.

Root Explanation

Sympatholytic → It is formed from "sympatho-" (from Greek "sympatheia", meaning sympathy or connection) and "lytic" (from Greek "lytikos", meaning able to loosen or dissolve). The word describes a substance that works to loosen or inhibit the sympathetic nervous system's activity.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sympathy' as a connection ('sympatho-') and 'loosening' or 'dissolving' ('lytic') — sympatholytic refers to something that inhibits the connection of the sympathetic nervous system.

Visually Confused Words