OpenSynonym

narcotics

/nɑrˈkɑtɪks/

NOUN

1. Drugs that relieve pain, induce sleep, or alter mood

Substances or drugs that reduce pain, induce sleep, or affect mood and behavior, particularly opioids and other drugs with sedative or numbing effects.

1.1. Drugs used to relieve pain

Refers to narcotics used to reduce or relieve physical pain, particularly opioid drugs and other medicinal pain-relieving substances.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The hospital has strict protocols for dispensing controlled narcotics.
  • The doctor discussed the risks of using narcotics for long-term pain management.
  • Some patients require prescription narcotics to manage severe postoperative pain.

Related Words

  • opioids
  • pain relievers
  • pain medication
  • morphine
  • opium
  • anesthetics

1.2. Drugs that induce sleep or sedation

Refers to substances that depress the central nervous system, producing drowsiness, sleep, relaxation, or reduced awareness.

Synonyms

  • sedatives
  • hypnotics
  • soporifics
  • tranquilizers
  • tranquillizers

Examples

  • The pharmacist ensured secure storage of the pharmacy's inventory of prescription narcotics.
  • Certain narcotics can cause drowsiness and impair a person's ability to drive.
  • The medical team carefully monitored the effects of the sedative narcotics.

Related Words

  • sleeping drugs
  • anesthetics
  • anesthetizing agents
  • central nervous system depressants
  • sedation
  • unconsciousness

1.3. Illegal or controlled drug substances

Refers to narcotics in the context of law enforcement and drug control, particularly substances whose possession, distribution, or use is restricted by law.

Synonyms

Examples

  • The police conducted a raid to uncover a stash of illegal narcotics.
  • The border patrol intensified efforts to prevent the smuggling of narcotics across the border.
  • The undercover agent infiltrated the drug ring to investigate the trafficking of narcotics.

Related Words

  • illegal drugs
  • controlled substances
  • drug trafficking
  • drug smuggling
  • drug possession
  • drug enforcement

NOUN

2. Substances that numb sensation

Drugs or chemical substances that reduce or eliminate physical sensation, particularly pain.

2.1. Numbing or anesthetizing substances

Refers to drugs that dull or eliminate sensation, especially substances used to produce anesthesia or relieve pain.

Synonyms

  • anesthetics
  • anesthetizing agents

Examples

  • The medical team used anesthetics to prevent pain during the procedure.
  • The effects of the narcotics were carefully monitored to ensure patient safety.
  • Some numbing drugs temporarily reduce sensation in a specific area of the body.

Related Words

  • local anesthetics
  • general anesthetics
  • numbing agents
  • anesthesia
  • insensibility