Origin: Latin suffix -ive
Sedative has 4 different meanings across 2 categories:
a drug that reduces excitability and calms a person
An agent or drug that sedates, having a calming or soothing effect, or inducing sleep.
tending to soothe or tranquilize
"valium has a tranquilizing effect"
"took a hot drink with sedative properties before going to bed"
Calming, soothing, inducing sleep, tranquilizing