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Narcotic: meaning, definitions and examples

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narcotic

 

[nɑːrˈkɒtɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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

drug, opiate, substance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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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.

  • The doctor prescribed a narcotic to help relieve the severe pain
  • / He was arrested for possession of narcotics
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.

  • She took the prescribed drug to help manage her condition
  • / Many young people are warned about the dangers of drug abuse
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.

  • The laboratory analyzes various substances for their chemical properties
  • / He was charged with possession of a controlled substance
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.

  • The patient was given an opiate to manage their post-surgery pain
  • / Opiate addiction has become a serious problem in many communities

Examples of usage

  • The police found a stash of narcotics in the suspect's apartment.
  • He was arrested for trafficking in narcotics.
Context #2 | Adjective

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?

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Word Description / Examples
narcotic

Typically used in medical and law enforcement settings to refer to substances that dull the senses and can cause addiction.

  • The doctor prescribed a narcotic to help with the severe pain.
  • The police cracked down on narcotic trafficking in the city.
drug-related

Used to refer to activities or situations involving drugs, often in a legal, medical, or criminal context.

  • The police are investigating the drug-related crime.
  • She has a history of drug-related offenses.
opiate-induced

Refers specifically to effects or conditions caused by opiates, which are a type of narcotic drug derived from opium.

  • He experienced opiate-induced euphoria.
  • Opiate-induced constipation is a common side effect of these medications.
addictive

Used to describe substances or behaviors that cause dependence or strong cravings.

  • Some video games can be highly addictive.
  • He has an addictive personality and quickly became hooked on gambling.

Examples of usage

  • The narcotic effects of the medication made him drowsy.
  • She was charged with possession of narcotic substances.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek word 'narkōtikos', 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.

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 soldiers’ 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.

Translations

Translations of the word "narcotic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 narcótico

🇮🇳 नशीला पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Narkotikum

🇮🇩 narkotika

🇺🇦 наркотик

🇵🇱 narkotyk

🇯🇵 麻薬

🇫🇷 narcotique

🇪🇸 narcótico

🇹🇷 uyuşturucu

🇰🇷 마약

🇸🇦 مخدر

🇨🇿 narkotikum

🇸🇰 narkotikum

🇨🇳 麻醉药

🇸🇮 narkotik

🇮🇸 eiturlyf

🇰🇿 есірткі

🇬🇪 ნარკოტიკი

🇦🇿 narkotik

🇲🇽 narcótico

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,338, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.