TRANG-kwuh-ly-zer
Tranquilizer (or tranquillizer) is a medication used to reduce anxiety, fear, tension, and agitation. First synthesized in 1955, these drugs revolutionized psychiatric treatment and became among the most prescribed medications worldwide.
30
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
💡 Pro Tip:
TRANQUILIZER contains both Q (10 pts) and Z (10 pts), making it one of the highest-scoring 12-letter words! The Q-U combination and common suffix -IZER make it more playable than many Q-Z words. This word alone can dominate a game when played strategically.
A tranquilizer (also spelled tranquillizer in British English) is a drug that reduces anxiety, fear, tension, agitation, and related states of mental disturbance. These medications work by depressing the central nervous system, producing a calming effect that helps manage various psychological and physical conditions. The term encompasses a broad category of medications, from mild anti-anxiety drugs to powerful sedatives used in medical procedures.
Tranquilizers are divided into two main categories: major and minor. Major tranquilizers, also known as antipsychotics or neuroleptics, treat severe mental disturbances in conditions like schizophrenia. Minor tranquilizers, called anxiolytics or anti-anxiety agents, address milder states of anxiety and tension. The most famous minor tranquilizers are benzodiazepines, including Valium (diazepam), Xanax (alprazolam), and Ativan (lorazepam).
The discovery of tranquilizers revolutionized psychiatry. Leo Sternbach accidentally discovered the first benzodiazepine, chlordiazepoxide (Librium), in 1955 while working at Hoffmann-La Roche. Initially abandoned as a failed project, the compound was later tested and showed remarkable sedative, anticonvulsant, and muscle relaxant properties. By 1977, benzodiazepines had become the most prescribed medications globally.
Tranquilizers work by enhancing the action of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter that reduces nerve impulse transmission in the brain. This increased GABA activity slows brain function, producing effects ranging from mild relaxation to deep sedation. While highly effective for short-term use, prolonged use can lead to dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms.
In word games, TRANQUILIZER is an exceptional 12-letter word worth 30 points in Scrabble before any multipliers. The presence of both Q (10 points) and Z (10 points) makes it one of the highest-scoring non-exotic words. The Q-U pairing and familiar -IZER suffix increase its playability compared to other high-value letter combinations.
The word "tranquilizer" has a soothing etymology that reflects its calming purpose. It derives from "tranquil," which comes from the Latin tranquillus, meaning "calm, quiet, still." The Latin breaks down into trans- (across, beyond) + quillus (possibly related to quies, meaning "rest" or "quiet").
The term's medical evolution:
The suffix "-izer" (or "-iser" in British spelling) means "one that causes or performs." Thus, a tranquilizer is literally "something that causes tranquility." The double-L spelling "tranquillizer" preserves the Latin spelling, while the single-L "tranquilizer" represents the simplified American spelling.
Related terms from the same root:
Alternative terms for tranquilizers
Sedative
Drugs that promote calm or sleep
Anxiolytic
Specifically reduces anxiety
Calmative
Agent that produces calmness
Depressant
Slows CNS activity
Relaxant
Reduces tension
Downer
Informal term
Categories of tranquilizer drugs
Benzodiazepines
Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Klonopin
Barbiturates
Phenobarbital, Seconal (older class)
Z-drugs
Ambien, Lunesta (sleep aids)
Antipsychotics
Major tranquilizers for psychosis
Beta-blockers
Propranolol (for performance anxiety)
Antihistamines
Hydroxyzine (mild tranquilizer)
Verb Form
tranquilize
The vet will tranquilize the animal.
Past Tense
tranquilized
The patient was tranquilized for surgery.
Gerund/Present Participle
tranquilizing
The tranquilizing effect lasted hours.
Noun (Action)
tranquilization
Chemical tranquilization was necessary.
Spelling Variations
Projectile for animal sedation
Anti-anxiety medication
Antipsychotic medication
Device for remote sedation
"The doctor prescribed a mild tranquilizer to help manage her anxiety before the medical procedure, explaining that the effects would wear off within a few hours."
"Wildlife officers used a tranquilizer dart to safely relocate the bear that had wandered into the suburban neighborhood, ensuring no harm came to the animal or residents."
"After years of relying on tranquilizers for sleep, she decided to explore cognitive behavioral therapy as a non-pharmaceutical alternative."
1960s advertisement: "Tranquilizers: For the anxieties of normal living" - reflecting the era's casual approach to prescribing.
Medical journal (1977): "Benzodiazepine tranquilizers have become the most prescribed medications globally, raising concerns about dependence."
Modern context: "The veterinarian explained that the tranquilizer would keep the dog calm during the thunderstorm without causing harmful side effects."
Total base points: 30 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 7
Unique letters: 10 (T,R,A,N,Q,U,I,L,Z,E)
Strategic considerations for this powerhouse word
Q-Z Combo Strategy
Having both Q and Z makes this word extremely rare. Save it for triple word scores or when you can cross premium squares with both high-value letters.
Late Game Domination
This 12-letter word is perfect for clearing difficult tiles in the endgame. The 30 base points plus a 50-point bingo bonus equals 80 points minimum!
Extension Plays
Build toward TRANQUILIZER by playing shorter forms first: TRANQUIL (17 pts), then add -IZE, finally -R. This staged approach maximizes point opportunities.
Defensive Value
Playing this word often blocks multiple lanes on the board due to its length, limiting opponent opportunities while securing a massive score.
Smaller words within TRANQUILIZER
Pro Tip:
Look for opportunities to play these smaller words first, setting up the board for the full TRANQUILIZER play later.
The discovery of tranquilizers fundamentally transformed psychiatry and society. Before the 1950s, treatment options for anxiety and mental distress were limited to barbiturates (highly addictive), physical restraints, or institutionalization. The introduction of chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in 1960 offered a safer, more effective alternative that allowed millions to manage anxiety while maintaining normal lives.
By the 1960s and 1970s, tranquilizers became a cultural phenomenon. Valium, introduced in 1963, became known as "Mother's Little Helper" after the Rolling Stones song highlighting suburban housewife dependency. It was the first drug to earn $1 billion in sales and remained America's most prescribed medication for 13 years. The phrase "Take a Valium" entered everyday language as shorthand for "calm down."
1955
Leo Sternbach synthesizes first benzodiazepine
1960
Librium receives FDA approval
1963
Valium launched, becomes bestseller
1975
Dependency concerns lead to regulations
Today, tranquilizers remain essential medications but are prescribed more cautiously. The medical community better understands their benefits and risks, leading to guidelines limiting use to short-term treatment. Alternative treatments like SSRIs, therapy, and mindfulness have expanded options for anxiety management. The word "tranquilizer" itself has evolved from a miracle cure descriptor to a more nuanced term representing both medical advancement and the need for responsible use.
Common misspellings to avoid
Missing the "i" after Q
British S vs American Z confusion
Single L is correct in US spelling
Lowercase in game play
Accepted spellings in different regions
✓ TRANQUILIZER
US spelling (Scrabble standard)
✓ TRANQUILLIZER
UK spelling (double L)
✓ TRANQUILISER
UK alternative with S
✓ TRANQUILLISER
UK with double L and S
Note:
Check your game's dictionary - not all variations may be accepted in every word game.
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like TRANQUILIZER