narcotic
/nɑːˈkɒtɪk/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
narkōtikos — making numb
Overview
Meaning Now
- A drug or other substance that affects mood or behaviour and is consumed for non-medical purposes, especially one sold illegally.
- A medicine that relieves pain and induces drowsiness, stupor, or insensibility.
Literal older meaning
that which makes numb or deadens
Language path
Ancient Greek → Middle French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
narcotik
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term is derived from the Greek 'narkē' (numbness). Historically, it was used in medical contexts to describe agents like opium that induce sleep. Its modern legal and sociopolitical sense—referring strictly to illicit substances—gained prominence in the 20th century as drug prohibition policies developed.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek (5th century BC)
narkē
“numbness, torpor”
- Ancient Greek (classical period)
narkōtikos
“apt to benumb”
- Middle French (14th century)
narcotique
“causing sleep or numbness”
- Middle English (14th century)
narcotik
“a substance causing drowsiness”
Connections
Word parts
narkō-
root
numbness
-tikos
suffix
pertaining to
Related across languages
French
narcotique
narcotic
Related words
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Related to narcotic
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.