| any of various substances, as benzodiazepines, that are primarily used to treat various forms of anxiety and psychosomatic conditions. |
| antianxiety drug n. Any of a group of drugs, such as the benzodiazepines, that are used to treat anxiety without causing excessive sedation. Also called anxiolytic drug, minor tranquilizer. |
| minor tranquilizer n. See antianxiety drug. |