Narcotic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
narcotic
[nษหrหkษtษชk ]
Definitions
illegal drugs
A narcotic is a drug that affects the brain and body, often causing addiction and harmful side effects. Narcotics are usually illegal to possess or sell without a prescription.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narcotic |
Often used in medical or legal contexts to refer to drugs that dull the senses and can cause sleep or bring relief from pain. It can have a negative connotation when referring to illegal use.
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| drug |
A broad term that can refer to any substance used in medicine or recreationally to alter the state of mind or body. It can be neutral in a medical context or negative when referring to illegal use.
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| substance |
A general term that can refer to any material, often used in a legal context to denote illegal drugs or controlled substances. It is neutral but can be negative when referring to illegal use.
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| opiate |
Specifically refers to drugs derived from the opium poppy. It is often used in medical contexts but can also have a negative connotation due to its potential for abuse.
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Examples of usage
- The police found a stash of narcotics in the suspect's apartment.
- He was arrested for trafficking in narcotics.
related to narcotics
Narcotic can also be used as an adjective to describe something that is related to or characteristic of narcotics or their effects.
Synonyms
addictive, drug-related, opiate-induced.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| narcotic |
Typically used in medical and law enforcement settings to refer to substances that dull the senses and can cause addiction.
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| drug-related |
Used to refer to activities or situations involving drugs, often in a legal, medical, or criminal context.
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| opiate-induced |
Refers specifically to effects or conditions caused by opiates, which are a type of narcotic drug derived from opium.
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| addictive |
Used to describe substances or behaviors that cause dependence or strong cravings.
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Examples of usage
- The narcotic effects of the medication made him drowsy.
- She was charged with possession of narcotic substances.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In ancient civilizations, opium, derived from poppy plants, was used for its pain-relieving properties.
- During the 19th century, morphine, a potent narcotic, was widely used and became known as 'the soldiersโ disease' due to its addiction among wounded soldiers.
- The Opium Wars in the 19th century highlighted the conflicts over opium trade between Britain and China.
Psychology
- Narcotics can significantly affect the brain's reward system, leading to feelings of euphoria but also addiction.
- Research shows that regular use can alter brain chemistry, making individuals dependent on external sources for pleasure.
- Withdrawal symptoms can include anxiety, nausea, and intense cravings, emphasizing the powerful impact on mental health.
Legal and Health
- Many countries regulate narcotics strictly due to their potential for abuse and addiction.
- Doctors often prescribe narcotics carefully, weighing pain relief against the risk of dependency.
- The rise of opioid addiction has led to public health initiatives aimed at education and safe prescription practices.
Cultural References
- Narcotics often appear in literature and film, illustrating the struggle of addiction, such as in the works of authors like William S. Burroughs.
- In music, narcotics have been referenced as both a symbol of escape and the consequences of addiction.
- Popular TV shows occasionally portray characters struggling with narcotics, bringing attention to the real-life issues related to substance abuse.
Origin of 'narcotic'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek word 'narkลtikos', which means 'to numb or to deaden'.
- It was first used in English in the 19th century to describe substances that could induce sleep.
- Related terms like 'narcotics' refer to both natural and synthetic substances that can alter perception.
The word 'narcotic' comes from the Greek word 'narkลtikos', meaning 'making stiff or numb'. It was originally used to refer to any substance that induced sleep or numbness. Over time, the term became more specifically associated with drugs that affect the brain and body, leading to the modern definition of narcotics as addictive and harmful substances.