noun
1.
something used to relieve or prevent pain
opium and its derivatives are still our most potent anodynes
Synonyms: analgesic, anesthetic, pain-killer
Related Word: calmative, depressant, sedative, tranquilizer; hypnotic, somnifacient, soporific, stupefacient
2.
something that soothes or, often, dulls or deadens the senses or sensibilities
the kind of religion that is no more than an anodyne
Synonyms: narcotic, nepenthe, opiate
Antonyms: energizer, stimulant; irritant