A substance or drug that slows down brain and body functions, making you feel calmer or sleepier.
From Latin 'deprimere' (to press down) + '-ant' (agent suffix). The word evolved in the 18th century as medical terminology for substances that reduce mental and physical activity.
Alcohol and sleeping pills are depressants, which is why mixing them is dangerous—they both slow your nervous system, and together they can make you stop breathing. Your body's 'brake pedal' gets jammed.
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