Narcotics: meaning, definitions and examples

💊
Add to dictionary

narcotics

 

[ nɑːrˈkɒtɪks ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

illegal drugs

Narcotics are substances that affect the central nervous system and are often used illegally for their euphoric effects. They can be highly addictive and have serious side effects.

Synonyms

drugs, illegal drugs, substances

Examples of usage

  • Heroin and cocaine are examples of narcotics.
  • Many countries have strict laws against the trafficking of narcotics.
Context #2 | Noun

medication

In a medical context, narcotics refer to drugs prescribed for pain relief. They work by blocking pain signals in the brain and are used for severe pain management.

Synonyms

analgesics, painkillers

Examples of usage

  • After the surgery, the patient was given narcotics to manage the pain.
  • Narcotics like morphine are commonly used in hospitals for pain relief.

Translations

Translations of the word "narcotics" in other languages:

🇵🇹 narcóticos

🇮🇳 नशीले पदार्थ

🇩🇪 Narkotika

🇮🇩 narkotika

🇺🇦 наркотики

🇵🇱 narkotyki

🇯🇵 麻薬 (まやく)

🇫🇷 stupéfiants

🇪🇸 narcóticos

🇹🇷 uyuşturucu

🇰🇷 마약 (mayak)

🇸🇦 مخدرات

🇨🇿 narkotika

🇸🇰 narkotiká

🇨🇳 麻醉品 (má zuì pǐn)

🇸🇮 narkotiki

🇮🇸 fíkniefni

🇰🇿 есірткі

🇬🇪 ნარკოტიკები

🇦🇿 narkotik

🇲🇽 narcóticos

Word origin

The word 'narcotics' originated from the Greek word 'narkōtikos' meaning 'making stiff or numb'. It was initially used in the context of drugs that induce sleep or numbness. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader range of substances affecting the central nervous system.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,711, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.