benzodiazepines

noun/ˌbɛnzoʊdaɪˈæzəpiːnz/

Frequency rank: #17,827 most common English word

Meaning

A class of psychoactive drugs that enhance the effect of the neurotransmitter GABA, commonly used as sedatives, anxiolytics, or anticonvulsants.

Illustration for the English word “benzodiazepines”

Example sentence

Doctors sometimes prescribe benzodiazepines to help patients manage severe anxiety or sleep disorders.

Synonyms & related words

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