Opioid - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An opioid is a type of drug that relieves pain by acting on the nervous system. Some opioids are prescribed medically, while others, like heroin, are illegal and highly addictive.
Definition:
A compound resembling opium in addictive properties or physiological effects, often used for pain relief.
Synonyms:
narcotic, opiate, analgesic, painkiller
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
nonaddictive, stimulant
Common Collocations:
opioid crisis, opioid addiction, opioid receptors, opioid overdose
Derivatives:
opioids, opioidergic
Usage Tips:
Use "opioid" to refer to synthetic or semi-synthetic drugs with opium-like effects, not just natural opiates like morphine.
Common Phrases:
opioid epidemic, opioid withdrawal, opioid receptor antagonist
Etymology:
Derived from "opium" + "-oid," meaning "resembling opium," first used in the 1950s for synthetic compounds.
Examples:
- 1. The doctor prescribed an opioid for severe pain relief.
- 2. Opioid addiction has become a major public health issue worldwide.
- 3. Some patients develop dependence after long-term opioid use.
- 4. The government introduced stricter regulations to curb opioid misuse.