What does painkiller mean?
A painkiller is a noun for a medicine or drug that reduces or relieves pain, especially a familiar over-the-counter remedy such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. In ordinary British and American English, the term is broad: it may refer to a non-prescription medicine, a stronger prescription analgesic, or, figuratively, to any measure that makes a painful situation easier to bear. The word is less technical than “analgesic,” which is preferred in medical and pharmacological contexts, and it often suggests a readily used remedy rather than a specialized treatment. In conversation, “take a painkiller” is particularly familiar, while the plural can refer collectively to such medicines. The compound is especially memorable because it gives pain a forceful opponent: its simple metaphor turns the relief of suffering into an ordinary household idea.
nounA medicine or drug that reduces or relieves pain. Figuratively, something that alleviates suffering or makes a painful situation less severe.
- A medicine or drug that reduces or relieves pain.
- Something that alleviates suffering or makes a painful situation less severe.
"After the long climb, she took a painkiller for the throbbing headache in her temples."
"After the long climb, she took a painkiller for the throbbing headache in her temples."
"For exhausted commuters, the announcement of an extra train was a momentary painkiller."
The usual plural form, referring to individual medicines or to pain-relieving drugs collectively.
"Keep the painkillers in a childproof cabinet."
Painkiller has a bluntly literal name: rather than merely easing pain, it “kills” it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does painkiller come from?
Painkiller is an English compound formed from “pain” and “killer.” “Pain” entered English through Old French from Latin poena, meaning a penalty or punishment, while “kill” derives from Old English cillan and “killer” is formed from it with the agent suffix -er. The compound therefore literally suggests something that kills or removes pain, reflecting its dominant medicinal meaning.
Related word forms
How painkiller is actually used
Common in everyday British and American English and usually countable. In medical or pharmacological contexts, “analgesic” is generally more formal and technically precise. The pronunciation is non-rhotic in British English and rhotic in American English.