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Definition of heroin

heroin

/ˈhɛr.oʊ.ɪn/
her · o · in
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heroin Lexical Profile

heroin Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A strongly physiologically addictive narcotic drug that is made by synthesis from morphine and used illicitly for its euphoric effects or medicinally as a potent analgesic.

Example

"Public health officials launched a new clinic to treat patients struggling with heroin addiction."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for heroin

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse with its homophone 'heroine', which refers to a female hero or the main female character in a story.

• Rhymes for heroin

• Nearby Words

heroic
heroically
heroics
heroin
heroine
heroism
heron

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1898 by the German pharmaceutical company Bayer from German Heroin, derived from Greek hērōs ('hero') because of the euphoric, heroic feeling the drug produced in test subjects.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Heroin. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/heroin
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