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.

It's the stuff of smelling salts and stretchers.

From BBC • May 9, 2026

These days, the Federal Aviation Administration requires that U.S. airlines carry smelling salts onboard in case a pilot needs to be awakened after fainting.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

Earlier this season, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that 49ers players created a system to make sure everyone has immediate access to smelling salts during games.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 12, 2026

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

She passed some smelling salts under the old lady’s nose, making her flinch and moan, but she didn’t wake up.

From "The Book of Dust: La Belle Sauvage" by Philip Pullman