Painkiller
/ˈpeɪnˌkɪl.ər/noun
A substance that alleviates or eliminates pain.
Did you know?Historically, the term 'killer' in 'painkiller' hints at the ancient practice of banishing pain as if it were a malevolent spirit.
Etymological Timeline
Old English
OE
pæne
“a physical suffering or discomfort.”
Old English
OE
cild
“to relieve or diminish, as in reducing discomfort.”
Middle English
ME
paine
“suffering or distress, especially of body.”
19th Century
English
painkiller
“a remedy to suppress or eliminate bodily pain.”