Narcotic
The term narcotic ( /nɑrˈkɑːtɨk/, from ancient Greek ναρκῶ narkō, "Ι benumb") originally referred medically to any psychoactive compound with any sleep-inducing properties. In the United States of America it has since become associated with opioids, commonly morphine and heroin and their derivatives, such as hydrocodone. The term is, today, imprecisely defined and typically has negative connotations. When used in a legal context in the US, a narcotic drug is simply one that is totally prohibited, or one that is used in violation of strict governmental regulation, such as heroin or morphine.
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Famous quotes containing the word narcotic:
“With the narcotic milk of peace for men
Who find Thy beautiful center ...”
—Gwendolyn Brooks (b. 1917)
“Hans Castorp loved music from his heart; it worked upon him much the same way as did his breakfast porter, with deeply soothing, narcotic effect, tempting him to doze.”
—Thomas Mann (1875–1955)