Analgesic

/ˌæn.əlˈdʒiː.zɪk/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A drug or other substance that reduces pain.
The doctor prescribed an analgesic to help with the patient's chronic pain.
A medicine used to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness.
Over-the-counter analgesics like ibuprofen are commonly used for headaches.
A category of medications used in the management of pain.
Anti-inflammatory analgesics are often the first line of treatment for arthritis.
adjective
Relating to or denoting the diminishment of pain.
The analgesic effect of the treatment was evident within an hour.
Having properties that relieve pain.
Herbal remedies with analgesic properties are gaining popularity.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'an-' meaning 'without' and 'algos' meaning 'pain'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

over-the-counter analgesic
A pain relief medicine that can be purchased without a prescription.
analgesic effect
The ability of a substance to relieve pain.
opioid analgesic
A class of analgesics that include opiates or synthetic analogs.

Related Words

pain
An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with potential or actual tissue damage.
narcotic
A drug affecting mood or behavior and used for pain relief.
anti-inflammatory
A substance that reduces inflammation and is commonly used for pain relief.

Slang Meanings

Pill popping
After the long workout, I found myself pill popping to manage the soreness.
Pain meds
He took some pain meds after the dentist appointment.