heroin
UK: ˈhɛrəʊɪn | US: ˈhɛroʊɪn
n. a highly addictive narcotic drug derived from morphine, used illicitly as a sedative and euphoriant.
heroin = hero<hero> + in<chemical suffix>
- hero (from Greek hērōs "hero"): Originally coined by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer in 1898, who marketed it as a "heroic" treatment for morphine addiction (later proven false).
- in (chemical suffix): A common suffix for alkaloids and pharmaceuticals (e.g., morphine, caffeine).
Etymology Origin:
The word heroin reflects a tragic irony. Bayer derived it from hero to imply strength and therapeutic heroism, but its addictive properties soon overshadowed this intent. The suffix -in aligns with naming conventions for chemical compounds. The term’s evolution mirrors the drug’s shift from "miracle cure" to societal scourge.
Heroin addiction has devastating effects on individuals and communities.
The police seized a large shipment of heroin at the border.
Rehabilitation programs aim to help users overcome heroin dependence.
Heroin is synthesized from morphine, a natural substance found in opium poppies.
The documentary exposed the rise of heroin use in rural areas.