# analgesic

/ˌænəɫˈdʒisɪk/ (US) · /ˌænɐldʒˈiːzɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/analgesic
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a type of medicine that you take to reduce or stop pain. You might use one for a headache or after an injury.

For teachers: a drug or substance specifically formulated to relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness. Often categorized into non-opioid and opioid varieties in clinical settings.

## Examples

- The doctor gave me a strong analgesic for my back pain.
- After the minor surgery, the patient was prescribed a mild analgesic to manage any discomfort during the first few days of recovery.
- While paracetamol is a common over-the-counter analgesic, chronic pain management often requires a combination of therapies to avoid the side effects associated with long-term medication use.

## Synonyms

painkiller

## Usage notes

- Commonly used in medical or pharmaceutical contexts; 'painkiller' is the everyday equivalent.

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