Medications that calm the nervous system and reduce anxiety or aggression, making someone more relaxed and peaceful.
From Latin 'tranquillus' (calm, quiet) plus suffix '-ize.' The modern medical term emerged in the 1950s when these drugs were first widely prescribed.
Tranquilizers were hailed as miracle drugs in the 1950s and 60s, but doctors wildly overprescribed them—millions became addicted. Valium was called 'mother's little helper,' and it nearly destroyed a generation. Now we're learning it again with opioids.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.