formal 5K

Anesthesia

UK //ˌæn.əˈsθiː.zi.ə// US //ˌæn.əˈsθiː.ʒə// Pronunciation

Definition

Medically induced loss of sensation or awareness, especially during surgery.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A way to make you feel no pain during surgery.

Examples

• The surgeon explained that anesthesia would be administered before the procedure.
• Patients may experience drowsiness after receiving anesthesia.
• Local anesthesia numbs only a specific area, allowing for minor procedures.
• General anesthesia puts the patient completely to sleep during major surgeries.
• The anesthesiologist monitored the patient’s vital signs while administering anesthesia.

Usage notes

Commonly used in medical contexts. More formal than casual terms like 'numbing.' Avoid using outside medical discussions.

Grammar pattern

used as a noun

Memory hint

Think of 'anesthetic' - the 'an' part means no, and 'esthetic' relates to feeling.

Collocations

• administer anesthesia
• general anesthesia
• local anesthesia
• regional anesthesia
• sedation anesthesia

Synonyms

• narcotic
• sedative
• pain relief
• analgesia
• hypnosis

Common mistakes

• Confusing anesthesia with analgesia (pain relief without unconsciousness).
• Using 'anesthesia' for all types of pain relief, including non-medical ones.
• Mispronouncing or misspelling the word.