Drug Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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drug
[drʌɡ ]
Definitions
medication
A substance used to treat, cure, or prevent a disease or medical condition.
Synonyms
medication, pharmaceutical, remedy.
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed a drug for his patient.
- She takes a daily drug to manage her diabetes.
illegal
A substance that is illegal to possess, sell, or use, often due to its addictive or harmful effects.
Synonyms
illegal substance, narcotic, substance abuse.
Examples of usage
- He was arrested for possession of drugs.
- She struggled with addiction to drugs for years.
administer
To administer a drug or medication to someone.
Synonyms
administer, dose, sedate.
Examples of usage
- The nurse will drug the patient before the surgery.
- He drugged his drink without his knowledge.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- Ancient Egyptians used opium poppies for pain relief as far back as 3000 BC, marking one of the earliest medicinal uses of drugs.
- In the Middle Ages, herbal remedies were common, and apothecaries operated as the early predecessors to modern pharmacies.
- The 19th century saw the discovery of more refined substances, including morphine, which sparked both medical advancements and addiction issues.
Pop Culture
- The portrayal of drug use in films often shapes public perception; for instance, movies like 'Trainspotting' gained notoriety for highlighting addiction struggles.
- Popular music, especially in genres like hip-hop and rock, frequently references drug culture, influencing trends and conversations about drug use.
- Video games include narratives around drugs, from street racing in 'Need for Speed' to the gritty drug wars depicted in 'Grand Theft Auto'.
Science
- Drugs interact with the body in various ways, typically affecting the central nervous system to produce psychological or physiological changes.
- Pharmacology is the scientific study of how drugs work, including their mechanisms, effects, and transformations within the body.
- Research continues into developing new drugs from natural sources, such as fungi and plants, which have historically provided medicinal properties.
Social Issues
- The opioid crisis in recent years highlights the challenges of prescription drugs becoming addictive and leading to widespread health issues.
- Many countries are increasingly exploring the legalization and decriminalization of certain substances, leading to ongoing debates about drug policy.
- Education about drug use and abuse is vital in schools, helping young people understand the risks associated with illegal substances.
Origin of 'drug'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'drug' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'drugghe', meaning 'dry' or 'dried herb', referencing the original use of dried plants for medicine.
- Historically, the term evolved from Latin 'drauga', which referred to a kind of crude asphalt or resinous substance.
- In the 16th century, 'drug' began to encompass all medicinal compounds, as the pharmaceutical field expanded.
The word 'drug' originated from Middle English 'drogge', which came from Old French 'drogue' meaning 'supply' or 'dry goods'. The term evolved over time to refer to substances used for medicinal purposes or recreation. In modern usage, 'drug' can refer to both legal pharmaceuticals and illegal substances.