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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.

opioid

/ˈoʊpiˌɔɪd/ /ˈəʊpiˌɔɪd/

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.

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