Definition of "narcotic" []

• An addictive drug, such as opium, that reduces pain, alters mood and behavior, and usually induces sleep or stupor. Natural and synthetic narcotics are used in medicine to control pain. (noun)
• A soothing, numbing agent or thing: "There was the blessed narcotic of bridge, at the Colony or at the home of friends” ( Louis Auchincloss). (noun)
• Inducing sleep or stupor; causing narcosis. (adjective)
• Of or relating to narcotics, their effects, or their use. (adjective)
• Of, relating to, or intended for one addicted to a narcotic. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "The word narcotic comes from the Greek word meaning pain-relieving and sleep-inducing."
• "The term narcotic (ναρκωτικός) strictly refers to any psychoactive compound with morphine-like effects."
• "For instance, the word narcotic, that's a very inaccurate term."