Heroin: meaning, definitions and examples

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heroin

 

[ หˆhษ›rษ™สŠษชn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

illegal drug

Heroin is a highly addictive drug derived from morphine, a naturally occurring substance extracted from the seed pod of certain varieties of poppy plants. It is typically sold as a white or brownish powder or as a black sticky substance known as 'black tar heroin.'

Synonyms

dope, junk, smack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heroin

Technical or formal contexts, such as medical discussions, legal contexts, or news reports.

  • The prevalence of heroin addiction has surged in recent years
  • Authorities have confiscated a large shipment of heroin
dope

Informal conversations or slang, often among friends or within certain communities. Sometimes used in a context involving other drugs or substances.

  • He's been hooked on dope for years
  • They were caught with a stash of dope
smack

Street slang or when discussing drug addiction in an informal or gritty context. Often used in movies and literature to depict the harsh realities of addiction.

  • He sold everything just to get some smack
  • Smack is tearing apart communities
junk

Highly informal and often carries a negative connotation. Utilized in derogatory remarks or casual references.

  • I can't believe he's still doing that junk
  • Get rid of the junk, it's ruining your life

Examples of usage

  • Many people become addicted to heroin after trying it once.
  • The use of heroin has been linked to numerous health problems and overdose deaths.
Context #2 | Noun

heroic bravery

In literary contexts, 'heroin' can also refer to a female protagonist who displays courageous and noble qualities, often in the face of adversity.

Synonyms

heroine, leading lady, protagonist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heroin

A highly addictive drug derived from morphine, often used illegally and associated with severe health risks and criminal activity.

  • He was arrested for possessing heroin.
  • Heroin addiction has devastated many communities.
heroine

A female character in literature, film, or drama who is admired for her courage and noble qualities.

  • The heroine of the novel was known for her bravery and intelligence.
  • In the movie, the heroine saves the day.
protagonist

The main character in a story, play, or novel, around whom the plot revolves and who usually faces a central conflict.

  • The protagonist of the story struggles with inner demons.
  • As the protagonist, he faces many challenges throughout the film.
leading lady

An actress who plays the most important female role in a film, play, or television show.

  • She became famous as the leading lady in several Hollywood movies.
  • The leading lady received critical acclaim for her performance.

Examples of usage

  • The novel features a strong and resilient heroin who fights against injustice.
  • Her character is portrayed as a heroin who sacrifices herself for the greater good.

Translations

Translations of the word "heroin" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น heroรญna

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคนเฅ‡เคฐเฅ‹เค‡เคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Heroin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ heroin

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณะตั€ะพั—ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ heroina

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ˜ใƒญใ‚คใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท hรฉroรฏne

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ heroรญna

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท eroin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ—ค๋กœ์ธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‡ูŠุฑูˆูŠู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ heroin

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ heroรญn

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆตทๆด›ๅ› 

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ heroin

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ herรณรญn

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณะตั€ะพะธะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒฐแƒ”แƒ แƒแƒ˜แƒœแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ heroin

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ heroรญna

Etymology

The word 'heroin' comes from the German word 'Heroin,' which was a trademarked name by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer. It was originally used as a non-addictive substitute for morphine. However, it was later discovered to be highly addictive, leading to its classification as a controlled substance.

See also: heroes, heroic, heroine, heroism, superhero.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,979, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.