an·es·thet·ic
ˌa-nəs-ˈthe-tik 
1
: of, relating to, or capable of producing anesthesia
2
: lacking awareness or sensitivity
was anesthetic to their feelings
1
: a substance that produces anesthesia
2
: something that brings relief : palliative
Synonyms
Examples of anesthetic in a Sentence
Noun
The doctor gave him the stitches without an anesthetic.
the dentist waited until the anesthetic took effect
Recent Examples on the Web
Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 18 June 2024
Additionally, giraffes' long necks can be damaged during anesthetic procedures if they're not properly supported, and blood pressure and ventilation management are also complicated by the animals' long necks.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 16 May 2024
John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024
Ketamine is legal and commonly used as an anesthetic, but it also is used recreationally to create a sense of disconnect and sedation — and, at times, hallucinations.
—Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for anesthetic 
Adjective
During the surgeries, Dr. Brown did not record the anesthetic medication given to his wife, according to the document.
—Escher Walcott, Peoplemag, 18 June 2024
Additionally, giraffes' long necks can be damaged during anesthetic procedures if they're not properly supported, and blood pressure and ventilation management are also complicated by the animals' long necks.
—Amy Schwabe, Journal Sentinel, 16 May 2024
Noun
That's because these pests inject an anesthetic and an anticoagulant to prevent people from knowing they're being nibbled on.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 12 June 2024
Ketamine is legal and commonly used as an anesthetic, but it also is used recreationally to create a sense of disconnect and sedation — and, at times, hallucinations.
—Tribune News Service, Hartford Courant, 3 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for anesthetic
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anesthetic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near anesthetic
Cite this Entry
“Anesthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anesthetic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
anesthetic
1 of 2 adjective
an·es·thet·ic
ˌan-əs-ˈthet-ik
: of, relating to, or capable of producing anesthesia
anesthetic
2 of 2 noun
: a substance that produces anesthesia in part or all of the body
Medical Definition
anesthetic
1 of 2 adjective
an·es·thet·ic
variants
or chiefly British anaesthetic
1
: capable of producing anesthesia
anesthetic agents
2
: of, relating to, or caused by anesthesia
an anesthetic effect
anesthetic symptoms
anesthetic
2 of 2 noun
variants
or chiefly British anaesthetic
: a substance that produces anesthesia
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