Tranquilizing

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈtɹæŋkwɪˌlaɪzɪŋ/

Definitions

1. The procedure of promoting a sense of peace and calmness through various means
2. Producing a state of calmness or relaxation by reducing agitation or anxiety
3. Inducing a feeling of peacefulness by diminishing nervous excitement or restlessness

Etymology: "Tranquilizing" is the present participle and adjective form of "tranquilize," so its story is really the story of that verb plus the ending "-ing." The root is Latin "tranquillus," meaning calm or quiet, which English borrowed as "tranquil" and which the verb "tranquilize" later built on. The verb itself is a relatively modern formation, adding the "-ize" suffix to the adjective's stem, a common pattern for turning descriptive words into verbs of action. The ending traces back much further. The "-ing" suffix descends from very old Germanic forms that were used to form nouns and participles, passing through Old English as "-ende" and Middle English as "-ynge" before settling into the modern "-ing." Adding it to "tranquilize" produces an adjective describing something that brings about calm, such as a drug or a soothing voice.

Synonyms: calming, soothing

Antonyms: agitating