Anorexigenic

/ænərɛksɪˈdʒɛnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Causing or producing appetite loss; capable of suppressing appetite.

Etymology

From 'anorexia' + '-genic' (from Greek 'genos,' meaning producing or generating). The term combines the concept of appetite loss with the medical suffix meaning 'causing' or 'producing.'

Kelly Says

Scientists use 'anorexigenic' to describe drugs and brain chemicals that kill appetite—it's the opposite of 'orexigenic' (appetite-producing), and understanding this pair reveals how the brain has separate systems for turning hunger on and off.

Ethical Language Guidance

Gender History

Appetite-suppressing drugs and compounds were marketed heavily toward women beginning in the 1950s as weight-loss and beauty aids, embedding appetite suppression in gendered consumer and medical culture.

Inclusive Usage

Use only in clinical/pharmacological contexts; avoid language that frames appetite suppression as cosmetic or tied to beauty standards; acknowledge that appetite-suppressing agents carry significant medical risks and ethical concerns.

Inclusive Alternatives

["appetite-suppressing","anorexigenic agent"]

Empowerment Note

Female physicians, nutritionists, and public health advocates have pioneered ethical frameworks for appetite-related medications and challenged the gendered marketing of weight-loss compounds.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.