smelling salts

NOUN

faintness relief

Synonyms

WEAK

Methedrine ammonium carbonate hartshorn methamphetamine hydrochloride sal volatile salts spirits

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Football leans on tradition, providing convenient cover for the NFL’s lenient stance on smelling salts, ammonia crystals that players believe enhance performance when inhaled.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

George Kittle, the 49ers All-Pro tight end, jumped on an NFL Network broadcast to proclaim that smelling salts were crucial to his performance.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

In the business of the worst moment, there may be unanimity, just as soon as the effects of the smelling salts and the large brandies kick in.

From BBC • Nov. 8, 2025

There are no explicit rules about the use of smelling salts by players before they undergo the assessment.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

Their girls are on them immediately, passing smelling salts under their noses and escorting them out, half carrying them.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland