diazepam

[dahy-az-uh-pam]

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a benzodiazepine, C 16 H 13 ClN 2 O, used for alleviation of anxiety and tension, as a hypnotic, a muscle relaxant, and an anticonvulsant, and in alcohol withdrawal.

diazepam

/ daɪˈæzəˌpæm /

noun

1. a chemical compound used as a minor tranquillizer and muscle relaxant and to treat acute epilepsy. Formula: C 16 H 13 ClN 2 O

diazepam

1. A drug, C ₁₆ H ₁₃ ClN ₂ O, used in the treatment of anxiety and as a sedative, muscle relaxant, and anticonvulsant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of diazepam¹

First recorded in 1960–65; (benzo)diazep(ine) + -am (of uncertain origin)

Word History and Origins

Origin of diazepam¹

C20: from _di- ¹ + _azo- + _ep ( _oxide ) + -am

Example Sentences

Deaths involving benzodiazepines - including prescribed diazepam and counterfeit tablets such as 'street Valium' - rose rapidly over the last decade and were a major factor in the drug deaths crisis.

From BBC

This time she was suspicious of what he was doing but she was also feeling the effects of the diazepam.

From BBC

Things began to go wrong only after Lisa was prescribed diazepam, which is typically used to treat anxiety, seizures or muscle spasms.

From BBC

But the prosecution rejected that claim, saying the combined effects of alcohol and a "fixation" with diazepam, which he was buying off the streets, had sent him into a violent rage.

From BBC

We found more than 100 examples of people trying to buy prescription medicines such as diazepam - commonly used to treat anxiety, muscle spasms and seizures - and instead receiving products containing nitazenes.

From BBC