1. A drug or an agent that is capable of producing a complete or partial insensibility or loss of bodily sensations or feelings: Depending on the type of action, an anesthetic is subdivided into general and local applications.

There are anesthetics consisting of various drugs that can cause loss of feelings, such as procaine or ether.

2. A medication that is administered locally or generally and produces a loss of sensation or awareness: When Angie had her appendix removed, she was given a general anesthetic.