What does tranquillising mean?
Tranquillising means making or tending to make something calm, peaceful, or relaxed. It is commonly used of medicines, music, scenery, speech, and atmospheres that have a soothing effect: a tranquillising sound, a tranquillising view, or a tranquillising drink. The word can function as an adjective or as the present participle of the British verb "tranquillise", meaning to make someone or something tranquil. Its connotation is generally gentle and beneficial, although it is sometimes used to describe sedatives or medicines intended to reduce anxiety and agitation. British English usually spells it with two l's, while the standard US spelling is "tranquilizing". Tranquillising is useful when describing not only literal calmness but also the broader emotional and atmospheric effects of a person, place, or experience.
Causing or tending to cause calmness, peace, or relaxation.
"The doctor recommended a tranquillising herbal tea before bedtime."
Often used attributively before nouns such as "effect", "influence", "properties", and "medication".
The present participle of "tranquillise", meaning to make someone or something calm or relaxed.
"The gentle instrumental music was tranquillising the waiting passengers."
In this use, the word expresses an action in progress.
Tranquillising reaches back to the Latin word tranquillus, meaning calm or undisturbed.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tranquillising
The word belongs to an English word family based on Latin tranquillus, meaning calm, quiet, or undisturbed. English forms such as "tranquil", "tranquillity", and "tranquillise" developed through this Latin root, with the verb also reflecting the influence of French. "Tranquillising" is the present-participle form of the British spelling "tranquillise"; American English generally uses the single-l form "tranquilizing".
Related word forms
How tranquillising is actually used
The word is formal to neutral and can describe anything that has a calming effect, including music, scenery, medicines, or an atmosphere. British English commonly uses the double-l spelling "tranquillising"; US English generally writes "tranquilizing".
Easily confused with tranquillising
Both words mean making someone or something calm; "tranquillising" is the usual British spelling, while "tranquilizing" is the usual US spelling.