Drug

/drʌɡ/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A substance used as a medication or in the preparation of medication.
The doctor prescribed a new drug to help manage the patient's symptoms.
A controlled substance that affects the body or mind, often used for recreational purposes.
She was arrested for possession of an illegal drug.
A chemical substance that causes a change in a physiological state.
Many athletes use performance-enhancing drugs to improve their results.
verb
To administer a drug to someone.
The nurse had to drug the patient before the surgery.
To intoxicate or stupefy someone with a drug.
The bartender was accused of trying to drug the customers.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'drogue', from Medieval Latin 'droga', originally referring to a dry substance.

Common Phrases and Expressions

drug abuse
The misuse of drugs for non-medical purposes.
drug dealer
A person who sells illegal drugs.
drug test
A test to determine the presence of drugs in a person's system.

Related Words

pharmaceutical
Relating to the production and sale of medicinal drugs.
narcotic
A drug affecting mood or behavior, often used for pain relief.
stimulant
A substance that raises levels of physiological or nervous activity in the body.

Slang Meanings

Dope
He was caught using dope at the concert.
Chems
They were taking chems during the rave.
Mary Jane
He enjoys relaxing with Mary Jane on weekends.
Smack
He got in trouble for selling smack.
Hype
The dealer was known for his hype in the neighborhood.