narcotize
/ˈnɑːrkəˌtaɪz/
VERB
1. To make someone drowsy or unconscious using a narcotic
To administer a narcotic or drug to someone in order to induce drowsiness, unconsciousness, or insensibility.
1.1. To drug or anesthetize someone
To give a person or animal a narcotic, anesthetic, or sedative substance to make them drowsy, unconscious, or insensitive to pain.
Synonyms
- anesthetize
- anaesthetize
- sedate
- tranquilize
- tranquillize
- dope
- dope up
- drug
- dose
- dose up
- knock out
- stupefy
Antonyms
Examples
- The anesthesiologist carefully narcotized the patient before surgery.
- The veterinarian needed to narcotize the injured animal before examining it.
- The guard was narcotized with a drug that made him lose consciousness.
Related Words
VERB
2. To dull or numb someone's senses
To reduce a person's physical or mental sensitivity, awareness, or ability to respond to external sensations.
2.1. To numb or deaden sensation
To make someone less sensitive to physical sensations, pain, or external stimuli.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- sensitize
- heighten
- sharpen
- intensify
- arouse
Examples
- The prolonged exposure to noise seemed to narcotize his senses.
- The medication helped narcotize the area and reduce the sensation of pain.
- The constant stimulation gradually narcotized her ability to respond emotionally.
Related Words
- insensibility
- numbness
- desensitization
- reduced sensitivity
- diminished awareness
2.2. To make someone mentally or emotionally unresponsive
To dull someone's awareness, feelings, or mental responsiveness, sometimes through repetitive experiences or overwhelming influences.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Examples
- The repetitive routine seemed to narcotize the workers' enthusiasm.
- The constant flow of disturbing images can narcotize people's emotional responses.
- He feared that endless distractions would narcotize his curiosity and critical thinking.
Related Words
- apathetic
- unresponsive
- emotionally numb
- indifferent
- desensitized