noun

analgesic

/ˌænəlˈdʒiːsɪk/ · say it: an·uhl·JEE·sik

a drug that relieves pain

In Medicine & Health

In more detail

1. (noun) a medicine or drug that reduces or stops pain without causing loss of consciousness

2. (adjective) able to reduce or stop pain

Examples

1. She took an analgesic for her headache.
2. The analgesic cream helped soothe the muscle soreness.

How to use analgesic

Analgesic is a formal, medical term used in healthcare and pharmaceutical contexts to describe drugs that reduce pain without producing full unconsciousness (as an anesthetic would). It is more technical than the everyday term painkiller, though both are commonly used in medical and lay contexts.

Common phrases

analgesic effect
analgesic properties
analgesic medication
analgesic drug
take an analgesic
mild analgesic

Synonyms

painkiller · pain reliever · anodyne · analgesic drug

Word family

analgesia (noun) · analgesic (noun/adjective)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse analgesic with anesthetic; analgesics reduce pain sensation while remaining conscious, whereas anesthetics cause loss of sensation and consciousness.

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