To tranquilize means to make a person or animal calm and sleepy, usually by giving them medicine. Veterinarians tranquilize large animals like elephants or bears before treating them, since these animals would be too dangerous to handle while fully awake and alert. The medicine makes the animal drowsy and peaceful so doctors can safely examine injuries or perform medical procedures.

Tranquilizers are powerful drugs that slow down the nervous system. Doctors sometimes prescribe mild tranquilizers to help people who struggle with severe anxiety or panic attacks, though these medications must be used carefully under medical supervision. Zoo workers might tranquilize a tiger that needs to be moved to a new habitat, using a special dart that delivers the medicine from a safe distance.

The effect wears off after several hours, and the animal usually wakes up feeling groggy. Without tranquilizers, it would be much harder to provide medical care to dangerous wild animals or to transport them safely.