narcotic
/nɑrˈkɑtɪk/
NOUN
1. A drug that relieves pain and may induce sleep or alter mood
A substance or drug that reduces pain, induces sleep, or alters mood and behavior, particularly one that produces sedative or pain-relieving effects.
1.1. A pain-relieving drug
A drug used to relieve moderate or severe pain, especially an opioid or another potent analgesic.
Synonyms
- analgesic
- painkiller
- pain reliever
- pain-killer
- anodyne
- opiate
- opioid
Examples
- The doctor prescribed a powerful narcotic for managing severe pain.
- The patient reported feeling drowsy after taking the prescribed narcotic medication.
- The pharmacist explained the potential side effects of the narcotic painkiller.
Related Words
- morphine
- heroin
- opium
- laudanum
- medicine
- medication
- pain medication
1.2. A drug that induces sleep or sedation
A substance that depresses the central nervous system, producing calming, sleep-inducing, or consciousness-reducing effects.
Synonyms
- sedative
- depressant
- downer
- hypnotic
- soporific
- somnifacient
- somniferous
- somnific
- somnorific
- tranquilizer
- tranquillizer
- stupefacient
Antonyms
Examples
- The medication had a strong narcotic effect and made him fall asleep.
- The physician selected a narcotic agent to help reduce the patient's discomfort and agitation.
- Some substances produce narcotic effects by slowing activity in the central nervous system.
Related Words
- anesthetic
- anaesthetic
- relaxant
- calmant
- calmative
- sleeping pill
- sedation
- stupefaction
1.3. An illegal or addictive drug
A drug, particularly an opioid or other controlled substance, that may cause dependence and is subject to legal restrictions.
Synonyms
Examples
- Law enforcement seized a shipment of illegal narcotic substances.
- The authorities are vigilant in monitoring the distribution of narcotic drugs.
- The investigation uncovered an illegal network involved in narcotic trafficking.
Related Words
- heroin
- opium
- opioid
- controlled substance
- addictive drug
- illicit drug
- drug dependence
ADJECTIVE
2. Relating to drugs that induce sleep or reduce pain
Describing something that is associated with narcotics or that produces sleep, unconsciousness, or a numbing effect.
2.1. Related to narcotic drugs
Describes something that concerns, contains, or is associated with narcotic substances or their medical or pharmacological use.
Synonyms
- opioid
- opiate
- analgesic
- anesthetic
- anaesthetic
Examples
- The hospital maintains strict records of all narcotic medications.
- The patient was given a narcotic pain-relieving drug after surgery.
- Narcotic substances must be stored securely in the medical facility.
Related Words
- drug-related
- medicinal
- pharmaceutical
- pain-relieving
- controlled
2.2. Producing sleep or a numbing effect
Describes an effect or substance that induces sleep, dulls sensation, reduces awareness, or produces a state of narcosis.
Synonyms
- sedative
- soporific
- hypnotic
- somniferous
- somnolent
- stupefying
- numbing
- benumbing
- deadening
- dulling
- anesthetizing
Antonyms
- stimulating
- stimulative
- stimulatory
- invigorating
- energizing
- arousing
- awakening
- bracing
Examples
- The patient experienced a narcotic effect after receiving the medication.
- The substance produced a narcotic influence that dulled his awareness.
- The drug's narcotic properties made it unsuitable for use before driving.