soporific

Definition

Something inducing sleep, especially a drug.

Etymology

From French soporifique, from Latin sopor (“deep sleep”). Unrelated to stupor (distinct in Proto-Indo-European).

Example Sentences

• "The doctor prescribed a soporific to help the patient sleep."
• "And ancient soporifics—such as poisonous leaves and various opiate concoctions—were roughly as likely to kill you as they were to induce REM."