Sedition and sedation are two words that are very close in spelling, but are pronounced slightly differently and have different meanings. We will examine the definitions of the word sedition and sedation, where these words came from and some examples of their use in sentences.
Sedition means to stir rebellion against a government through speech, writing or actions. Sedition inspires social disorder and undermines the government’s authority. Though the United States has enacted laws in the past punishing sedition, especially during war time, today such laws are considered affronts to free speech. The word sedition is derived from the Latin word seditionem, meaning civil disobedience, mutiny, rebellion.
Sedation means the act of administering a drug to someone in order to induce serenity or sleep. Sedation may also refer to the state of being under the influence of a drug that induces serenity or sleep. The word sedation is derived from the Latin word sedationem which means calming or quieting.
Examples
“I urge the police to investigate Nazri under Sedition Act for creating animosity and hatred between the people of Sarawak and the peninsula when he described Karim as behaving like gangster for objecting to the tourism tax,” he said, adding that he lodged a police report yesterday. (The Malay Mail)
Haryana Police have booked 15 Dalit activists, including two students of Kurukshetra University, under the sedition charge for alleged “provocative speeches against the government” during a protest demanding the release of four Dalits arrested for a murder during inter-caste clashes at Paterhedi village in Ambala three months ago. (The Indian Express)
“Meanwhile, for extremely anxious patients or for those due to have a long procedure, we also have the ability to provide sedation to patients on-site.” (The Chronicle)
A new clinical best practice guidance document has been issued by the UK Association of Air Ambulances (AAA). The document offers advice on advanced analgesia and sedation to promote best practice in advanced prehospital care delivered by helicopter emergency medical services. (AirMed & Rescue Magazine)