tranquilize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “tranquilize” mean?
To make a person or animal calm, sedated, or unconscious, typically by administering a drug.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a person or animal calm, sedated, or unconscious, typically by administering a drug.
To bring into a state of tranquility or calmness, often with a connotation of artificial or forced sedation; to reduce agitation or anxiety.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The British English spelling is typically 'tranquillize' (double 'l'). The American English spelling is 'tranquilize' (single 'l'). The verb is less common in everyday British speech; 'sedate' is often preferred.
Connotations
In both varieties, strongly associated with medical/veterinary procedures or subduing dangerous animals/people. Can carry a negative connotation of forced pacification.
Frequency
More frequently used in American English. In British English, the noun 'tranquilliser' is more common than the verb.
Grammar
How to Use “tranquilize” in a Sentence
[Subject] tranquilized [Object][Object] was tranquilized by [Subject] with [Instrument]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tranquilize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The vet had to tranquillise the distressed elephant before treatment.
- Police were authorised to tranquillise the escaped tiger if necessary.
American English
- The zookeeper will tranquilize the lion for its annual check-up.
- They had to tranquilize the suspect who was experiencing a violent psychotic episode.
adverb
British English
- The medicine acted tranquillisingly.
- Rarely used.
American English
- The medicine acted tranquilizingly.
- Rarely used.
adjective
British English
- The tranquillising drug took effect within minutes.
- She spoke in a tranquillising tone.
American English
- The tranquilizing drug took effect within minutes.
- He had a tranquilizing effect on the anxious committee.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorically: 'The merger was meant to tranquilize market fears.'
Academic
Used in biology, veterinary science, and medical texts describing procedures.
Everyday
Very low frequency. Associated with news about wildlife management or police incidents.
Technical
Standard term in veterinary medicine, wildlife management, and anesthesiology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tranquilize”
- Misspelling: 'tranquilise' (common BE error for the verb).
- Using it interchangeably with 'calm down' in casual contexts (e.g., 'I tranquilized my friend' is incorrect).
- Incorrect object: 'tranquilize the situation' is atypical; 'defuse the situation' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Tranquilize' specifically implies the use of a drug or chemical agent to induce calmness or sedation. 'Calm down' is a general phrase for becoming or making someone less agitated, without implying chemical means.
They are very close synonyms, often used interchangeably in medical contexts. 'Sedate' is slightly more common in clinical settings (e.g., 'sedate a patient'), while 'tranquilize' is strongly associated with veterinary practice and wildlife management (e.g., 'tranquilize a bear').
The standard British English spelling is 'tranquillize' (with a double 'l'). However, the single 'l' American spelling is increasingly recognized.
Yes, but it is less common and carries a negative connotation. For example: 'The government's pay rise was a transparent attempt to tranquilize the striking workers.' It suggests a superficial or forced pacification.
To make a person or animal calm, sedated, or unconscious, typically by administering a drug.
Tranquilize is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Tranquilize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtræŋkwɪlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtræŋkwəlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A tranquilizing effect”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a QUILL (from 'tranQUILlize') dipped in a sedative, used to make someone calm.
Conceptual Metaphor
CALMNESS IS A FORCED STATE (often via chemical intervention); AGITATION IS A DANGEROUS ANIMAL (that needs to be subdued).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'tranquilize' MOST appropriately used?