sedate

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   Of a person or animal, or their behaviour

   Of a person or animal, or their behaviour: calm and composed (often in a dignified manner), and avoiding or unaffected by activity or excitement.

   • But vvhen […] vvilfulneſs [in a child] evidently ſhevvs it ſelf, and makes Blovvs neceſſary, I think the Chaſtiſement ſhould be a little more Sedate and a little more Severe, […]
   • Virgil vvas of a quiet, ſedate Temper; Homer vvas violent, impetuous, and full of Fire.
2. 2

   Of an object, particularly a building

   Of an object, particularly a building: not overly ornate or showy; not having a strong colour or design.

   • The shiny carriages of Yankee officers' wives and newly rich Carpetbaggers splashed mud on the dilapidated buggies of the townspeople, and gaudy new homes of wealthy strangers crowded in among the sedate dwellings of older citizens.
   • Facing the Parliament Buildings across James’ Bay arose a sedate stone and cement Post Office.
3. 3

   Of writing

   Of writing: not emotional; calm, composed.

4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Of one's mind, thoughts, etc.

      Of one's mind, thoughts, etc.: calm, sober.

      • [W]e ſhall leave them to their ovvn ſedate and compoſed Reflections.
   2. 5

      Of an object

      Of an object: not moving; at rest, quiet, still; also, moving smoothly and steadily.

      • [T]he river vvhich before vvas ſtraight, ſhe [Nitocris] made crooked vvith great vvindings, that it might be more ſedate and leſs apt to overflovv.
   3. 6

      To give (a person) a sedative to calm them or put them to sleep

      To give (a person) a sedative to calm them or put them to sleep; to tranquilize.

      • Though he may have been sedated, he knew I was there, knew who I was, knew I was talking to him.
      • I need something to sedate me / But I can't afford the high / Give me something to help me escape
   4. 7

      To make (someone or something) calm or tranquil

      To make (someone or something) calm or tranquil; to assuage, to calm, to soothe.

      • Did matter contend with matter, what confusion would it produce? whilst the mind and soul of man sedate the hostility, and bring it to due obedience, as being a power abstracted, a distinct and immaterial principle.

The neighborhood

• neighborsedation
• neighborsedative