benzodiazepine

noun

ben·​zo·​di·​az·​e·​pine ˌben-zō-dī-ˈa-zə-ˌpēn How to pronounce benzodiazepine (audio)
: any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (such as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used especially as tranquilizers

Examples of benzodiazepine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
View gallery - 3 images A benzodiazepine seeping into waterways is causing young Atlantic salmon to behave strangely, with fish in the wild migrating more rapidly and taking more risks on their journey from river to ocean. New Atlas, 20 Apr. 2025 Certain medications can also cause or irritate existing acid reflux symptoms, including benzodiazepines, calcium channel blockers, certain asthma medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and tricyclic antidepressants, according to NIH. Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025 Sedative medications: Due to ashwagandha's sleep-promoting effect, using it with other sedatives (medicines that might cause sleepiness), like Xanax and Valium (benzodiazepines), can cause breathing problems or too much sleepiness. Emmanuella Ogbonna, Health, 10 Apr. 2025 Nearly 20 percent of people who take benzodiazepines misuse them, according to a 2019 study. Valeriya Safronova, New York Times, 6 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for benzodiazepine

Word History

Etymology

benz- + di- + az- + -epine (from hepta- + -ine entry 2)

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of benzodiazepine was in 1934

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Benzodiazepine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/benzodiazepine. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

Medical Definition

benzodiazepine

noun
ben·​zo·​di·​az·​e·​pine ˌben-zō-dī-ˈaz-ə-ˌpēn How to pronounce benzodiazepine (audio)
: any of a group of aromatic lipophilic amines (as diazepam and chlordiazepoxide) used especially as tranquilizers

More from Merriam-Webster on benzodiazepine

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