Word: Anxiolytic drug
Part of Speech: Noun
Definition: An anxiolytic drug is a type of medicine that helps to relieve anxiety. It is often used to make a person feel calmer and less tense or irritable.
Usage Instructions:
Anxiolytic drugs are usually prescribed by a doctor.
They are taken when a person is feeling very anxious or stressed.
It’s important to follow the doctor's instructions on how to take these medicines.
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In a medical context, you might hear phrases like "benzodiazepines," which are a common class of anxiolytic drugs. These include medications such as Valium or Xanax.
Anxiolytic drugs are often discussed in relation to therapy, as they can help patients manage their symptoms while they work on their mental health.
Word Variants:
Anxiolytic (adjective): Refers to anything that helps reduce anxiety. For example, "anxiolytic effects" means the calming effects of a drug.
Anxiety (noun): The feeling of worry or fear that can be mild or severe.
Different Meaning:
Synonyms:
Tranquilizer: Another term for a drug that calms the mind.
Sedative: A drug that calms or induces sleep, which may also help with anxiety.
Anti-anxiety medication: A general term for drugs that help reduce anxiety.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren't specific idioms directly related to "anxiolytic," but you might hear phrases like "calm down," which means to relax and reduce anxiety.
A phrasal verb that could fit in this context is "ease up," as in, "I need to ease up on my stress after a long week."
Summary:
An anxiolytic drug is a medication that helps people feel less anxious and more relaxed.