drug
5 synonyms and 0 antonyms for drug, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A substance taken for its effect on the body or mind, whether medicinal or intoxicating.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use drug
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Middle French drogue, originally referring to dried herbs and goods kept in barrels — the word for "dry" got mistakenly applied to what was stored inside.
Full origin of drug →Frequently asked questions
What does “drug” mean?
The word “drug” means a substance taken for its effect on the body or mind, whether medicinal or intoxicating. In plain terms, a chemical substance used as medicine, or, in illegal use, for its intoxicating effect.
How do you pronounce “drug”?
“Drug” is pronounced DRUHG (/ˈdɹʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “drug” in a sentence?
Here is “drug” used in a sentence: “The doctor prescribed a new drug to manage his blood pressure.”
What part of speech is “drug”?
Depending on how it is used, “drug” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “drug” come from?
The word “drug” comes from Middle French. From Middle French drogue, originally referring to dried herbs and goods kept in barrels — the word for "dry" got mistakenly applied to what was stored inside.
Is “drug” a common word?
“Drug” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “drug” have?
“Drug” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a substance taken for its effect on the body or mind, whether medicinal or intoxicating.
What is the difference between a drug and a medicine?
All medicines are drugs, but not all drugs are medicines. 'Drug' is the broad term for any substance that affects the body or mind, including recreational and illegal ones. 'Medicine' refers specifically to a drug used to treat, prevent, or diagnose illness. Medicine implies a helpful, therapeutic purpose.
What are the main types of drugs?
Drugs can be grouped by effect or by legal status. By effect, common categories include stimulants, depressants, and painkillers. By status, they range from prescription and over-the-counter medicines to controlled substances. The same word covers both a doctor's prescription and substances taken purely for their intoxicating effect.
Are all drugs harmful?
No. Many drugs are medicines that treat illness, ease pain, or save lives when used correctly. Whether a drug helps or harms depends on the substance, the dose, and how it is used. Even beneficial medicines can be dangerous if misused, while others are harmful whenever taken.