SEDATIVE is a drug or substance that calms, soothes, or induces sleep by reducing nervous system activity. From bedtime teas to powerful medications, sedatives help manage anxiety, insomnia, and medical procedures.
Yes. SEDATIVE is in the Scrabble-style word list used by our tools and scores 12 points in Scrabble, 13 in Words With Friends and 12 in Wordfeud (base tile values, no board multipliers). Always check the dictionary your game uses (NWL, Collins or the WWF list) before playing.
| Letter | S | E | D | A | T | I | V | E | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrabble | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 12 |
| Words With Friends | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 1 | 13 |
| Wordfeud | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 12 |
SEDATIVE refers to any substance that promotes calm, relaxation, or sleep by depressing the central nervous system. These compounds range from mild herbal remedies like chamomile tea to powerful prescription medications used in surgery. Sedatives work by enhancing the brain's natural calming mechanisms, primarily through the neurotransmitter GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). In medical practice, sedatives serve multiple purposes: reducing anxiety before procedures, inducing sleep for insomniacs, controlling seizures, and providing muscle relaxation. Common classes include benzodiazepines (like Valium), barbiturates, and newer "Z-drugs" for sleep. While invaluable medically, sedatives carry risks of dependence, tolerance, and dangerous interactions with alcohol. Common types of sedatives: Benzodiazepines: Valium, Xanax, Ativan - for anxiety and panic Barbiturates: Older class, now mainly used for seizures Z-drugs: Ambien, Lunesta - specifically for sleep Natural sedatives: Valerian, passionflower, chamomile Antihistamines: Benadryl - sedation as side effect
The word sedative comes from the Medieval Latin sedativus, meaning "calming, allaying." This derives from the Latin verb sedare meaning "to settle, calm, or allay," which itself comes from sedere meaning "to sit." The connection to sitting is revealing - sedatives literally help the nervous system "sit down" and rest. The same root gives us "sedate" (calm), "sedentary" (sitting, inactive), and "sediment" (matter that settles). The suffix "-ive" indicates "having the quality of" or "tending to." First recorded in English around 1400 in medical texts, "sedative" originally referred to any calming influence. By the 1700s, it specifically meant medicinal substances that calm nerves or induce sleep. The modern pharmaceutical meaning solidified in the 19th century as chemistry advanced and specific sedative compounds were isolated and synthesized.
Anagrams: DEVIATES
Hooks: no front hooks; back SEDATIVES.
Words inside SEDATIVE: 187 shorter words can be made from these letters – highest scoring: DEVIATESADVISEEDATIVESDEVIATEVISTAEDADVISEDATIVEDAVIESDAVITSDEAVESDEVESTDEVISE. See all words from SEDATIVE.