Narcotics: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in legal and medical contexts to refer to powerful painkillers that can be addictive, such as morphine or heroin. It can also have a formal tone, often used by law enforcement.

• The doctor prescribed narcotics for pain management after surgery.
• The police are conducting a crackdown on narcotics trafficking.

A general term that can refer to both legal medications and illegal substances. It can be used in everyday conversation, medical contexts, or when referring to drug abuse.

• You should take your drugs as prescribed by your physician.
• He's trying to quit using drugs because of their negative impact on his life.

A broad term that can refer to any material with particular physical characteristics, including drugs. Often used in scientific, regulatory, or legal contexts, and may be used to avoid the negative connotations of other words.

• The laboratory tests revealed traces of unknown substances.
• Policies on controlled substances are strictly enforced.

Specifically refers to substances that are illegal to possess, use, or distribute. This term is often used in discussions about law enforcement, crime, and public health.

• The government is taking measures to combat the sale of illegal drugs.
• She was arrested for possession of illegal drugs.

Narcotics, when referred to again in the same list, highlight the potential for confusion with similar words. Repetition might emphasize different shades of meaning, like discussing legal versus medical contexts.

• Narcotics are strictly regulated due to their potential for abuse
• He was treated with narcotics during his hospital stay

Painkillers is a more casual term often used in everyday language to describe any medication intended to relieve pain. This term can apply to both prescription medications and over-the-counter drugs.

• She took some painkillers before going to bed to help with her back pain
• Painkillers are commonly used for managing minor injuries or headaches

Analgesics are typically used in a medical context to refer to medications specifically designed to relieve pain. They can be over-the-counter or prescribed, and they do not necessarily dull the senses.

• She took an over-the-counter analgesic to relieve her headache
• The doctor suggested a stronger analgesic to manage the chronic pain