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gateway drug
noun
: a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug (such as cocaine or heroin)
Examples of gateway drug in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Fantasy leagues were a gateway drug for people who liked their sports with a heavy dose of statistical analysis.
—Ross Andersen, The Atlantic, 13 Oct. 2024
In some cases, the flame emoji is the gateway drug to cheating.
—Olivia Petter, Vogue, 19 Aug. 2024
My gateway drug was a set reminiscent of an ice cream truck.
—Abby Margolis Newman, The Mercury News, 16 July 2024
Ran watch on prime video Rear Window Year: 1954
Runtime: 1h 52m
Director: Alfred Hitchcock
Rear Window is the gateway drug for young people learning about the Master of Suspense.
—Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 11 June 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1981, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gateway drug
Cite this Entry
“Gateway drug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gateway%20drug. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
gateway drug
noun
: a drug (as marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on a harder drug that is more addictive and harmful to health
Medical Definition
gateway drug
noun
gate·way drug
ˈgāt-ˌwā-
: a drug (such as alcohol or marijuana) whose use is thought to lead to the use of and dependence on more dangerous, addicting substances (such as cocaine or heroin)
To end at the beginning, nicotine … is now considered a "gateway drug," as it commonly precedes and is comorbid with other substance use.—Donald A. Henderson, The Journal of the American Medical Association
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