antidolorifico
The English phrase 'pain killer' is antidolorifico in Italian.
The term refers to a medicine used to reduce or stop physical pain.
What does it mean word for word?
The word antidolorifico is a compound consisting of the prefix anti- (against), the root dolor- (pain) and the suffix -ifico (making or causing).
Which one should you use?
While antidolorifico is the standard term, you may also use the medical term analgesico as a synonym.
How does it change in a sentence?
Its plural form is antidolorifici. If you use the word as an adjective to describe a feminine noun, the ending changes to antidolorifica.
Did you know?
- In an Italian pharmacy, you might hear someone ask for a tachipirina instead of an antidolorifico. Much like 'aspirin' in English, this specific brand name has become a generic term for any fever reducer or pain reliever.
- The suffix in antidolorifico comes from the Latin facere, meaning 'to make'. This means the word literally translates to an 'anti-pain making' substance, rather than a 'pain killer'.
- The word analgesico comes from the Greek algos (pain) and an- (without). This creates a linguistic mirror to antidolorifico, where one word is based on Greek roots and the other on Latin roots.
Examples in context
- Ho bisogno di un farmaco analgesico per il mal di testa.I need a pain killer for my headache.
- Il medico mi ha prescritto un medicinale antidolorifico.The doctor prescribed a pain-relieving medicine for me.
- Mi servirebbe un analgesico per quel fastidio alla schiena.I could use a pain killer for that backache.
- Devo comprare un antidolorifico in farmacia.I need to buy a pain killer at the pharmacy.
- Questo antidolorifico funziona molto bene.This pain killer works very well.
- Prendi un antidolorifico per il mal di testa.Take a pain killer for your headache.
Example conversation
Lorenzo is feeling unwell at home and Chiara is helping him.
- ChiaraLorenzo, come ti senti?Lorenzo, how are you feeling?
- LorenzoHo un forte dolore alla schiena.I have a strong pain in my back.
- ChiaraVuoi che ti porti un antidolorifico?Do you want me to bring you a pain killer?
- LorenzoSì, grazie mille, Chiara.Yes, thank you very much, Chiara.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry antidolorifico, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
