Opiate

/ˈoʊ.pi.ət/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A narcotic drug that is derived from opium and is used to relieve pain.

The doctor prescribed an opiate to manage the patient's severe pain after surgery.

Something that induces a state of lethargy or inaction.

Television can be an opiate that keeps people from engaging in more productive activities.

verb

To soothe or calm someone with or as if with an opiate.

The therapist tried to opiate the patient's anxiety with calming techniques.

From Latin 'opiatum', derived from 'opium'.

opiate of the masses

A term describing something that pacifies or dulls the awareness of people.

opioid

A class of drugs that includes opiates and synthetic drugs with similar effects.

narcotic

A substance affecting mood or behavior that is used for medical purposes but can also have harmful effects.

Dope

He's been using dope to cope with his pain.

Smack

He got hooked on smack and it's been hard for him to quit.