noun
- substances that reduce the activity of the central nervous system, slowing down bodily functions
Usage: medical; pharmacology
Examples
- Alcohol and barbiturates are common depressants.
- The doctor prescribed depressants to help with her anxiety.
- Depressants can slow heart rate and breathing.
- Mixing depressants with other drugs can be dangerous.
- Some depressants are used as sleep aids.
- The patient was warned about the side effects of depressants.