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.

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

Sometimes it’s Harris offering Scott smelling salts — a practice Dicker, who is naturally amped, skips.

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 2, 2025

During half-time of the first British and Irish Lions' Test against Australia last month, Lions flanker Tadhg Beirne was shown inhaling smelling salts as the rest of the team huddled up.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2025

In the bedroom, women were holding smelling salts under her nose.

From "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" by Alex Malcolm X;Hailey