Definition

A type of medication that helps to calm a person down and reduce feelings of anxiety or tension.

Example

The doctor prescribed a tranquilizer to help her manage her anxiety during stressful situations.

Conversation

I heard that some people take a tranquilizer when they are really stressed out.

Yeah, I can see how that would help in tough situations.

I wonder if it really makes a difference for them.

It probably does, but I'd rather try meditation instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tranquilizer → It is formed from "tranquil" (from Latin "tranquillus", meaning calm or quiet) and the suffix "-izer" (meaning to make or cause to be). The word "tranquilizer" refers to something that makes a person calm or quiet.

Memory Tip

Think of something that makes you 'calm' ('tranquil') — that's what a tranquilizer does.

Visually Confused Words