1. a type of sedative drug that depresses the central nervous system, formerly used to treat anxiety and insomnia
Usage: medical; often considered outdated due to safety concerns

Examples

• The doctor prescribed a barbiturate to help with her severe insomnia.
• Barbiturates were commonly used in the 1960s but have largely been replaced by safer medications.
• The patient was warned about the dangers of mixing barbiturates with alcohol.
• Modern sleep aids are generally preferred over barbiturates due to their lower risk of overdose.
• The forensic report showed traces of barbiturates in the victim’s bloodstream.
• Many barbiturates have been classified as controlled substances due to their potential for abuse.