narcotic — a drug that affects mood or behavior and is sold for nonmedical purposes, especially an illegal one
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a drug that affects mood or behavior and is sold for nonmedical purposes, especially an illegal one
Pronunciation (IPA): /nɑːrˈkɑːtɪk/
Example Sentences
- The detective's nose was so good at finding narcotics, criminals nicknamed him 'Bloodhound Bob'.
- After dental surgery, she needed narcotic medication to manage the severe pain.
- The customs officer found narcotics hidden inside teddy bears - talk about stuffed animals!
narcotic
NOUN[/nɑːrˈkɑːtɪk/]
a drug that affects mood or behavior and is sold for nonmedical purposes, especially an illegal one
The doctor carefully locked every narcotic inside a secure medicine cabinet.
The doctor explained that narcotic medicine should be used only under careful medical supervision. (narco = sleep / numb → A narcotic knocks you out.)
The doctor prescribed a narcotic for severe pain, a hypnotic for sleep, and an antibiotic for the infection.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Greek 'narkotikos', meaning 'causing numbness or stupor'. The root 'narke' refers to numbness or torpor, and was also the ancient Greek term for the electric ray (torpedo fish), named for its numbing effect.
Breakdown
narke (numbness, torpor) + -tikos (causing, making) = narkotikos, a substance or agent that induces numbness and sleep.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective's nose was so good at finding narcotics, criminals nicknamed him 'Bloodhound Bob'.”
“After dental surgery, she needed narcotic medication to manage the severe pain.”
“The customs officer found narcotics hidden inside teddy bears - talk about stuffed animals!”
“Narcotic abuse is a serious public health issue that requires comprehensive treatment programs.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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