Definition: "Anesthesia" is a medical procedure that reduces or stops pain by blocking nerve impulses, so the body can heal without any discomfort. Detailed definition: - Anesthesia means temporarily halting pain by blocking sensory input to affected areas. - It's typically performed under general anesthesia conditions where drugs are administered to numb tissue and reduce sensation in painful areas. Anesthetics may also include sedative effects, such as sedation during surgery or anesthesia for dental procedures, but they generally prevent actual discomfort rather than pain itself.