Meaning & Definition of word "Narcotic"

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    Narcotic

    /nɑːrˈkɒtɪk/

    noun:

    • 1. A drug that affects mood or behavior and is usually illegal.
      • Example: The police found a stash of narcotics in the suspect's car.
    • 2. A substance that induces sleep and relieves pain.
      • Example: Doctors sometimes prescribe narcotics for severe post-operative pain.

    adjective:

    • 1. Pertaining to or affecting the nerves or the nervous system, especially in drinking or drug use that induces sleep.
      • Example: The narcotic effects of the medication helped her sleep through the night.
    • 2. Relating to drugs that have the potential for addiction and abuse.
      • Example: Due to its narcotic properties, the medication is closely monitored by health authorities.

    Etymology

    From Greek 'narkotikos', meaning 'to numb or benumb'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    narcotic effect:

    The influence of a narcotic substance that causes drowsiness and insensitivity to pain.

    narcotic addiction:

    A condition characterized by a compulsive need to use narcotic drugs.

    narcotic analgesic:

    A drug that relieves pain by affecting the body's central nervous system.

    Related Words

    analgesic:

    A substance that relieves pain.

    opioid:

    A type of narcotic that acts on opioid receptors in the brain.

    addiction:

    The compulsive use of a substance despite harmful consequences.

    Slang Meanings of narcotic

    Meaning: dope

    Example Sentence: He was caught with dope and charged with possession.

    Meaning: junk

    Example Sentence: She struggled with her addiction to junk for years.

    Meaning: smack

    Example Sentence: He was in and out of rehab for using smack.

    Meaning: H

    Example Sentence: He’s been on H since he was a teenager.