performance-enhancing drug

noun

: a substance (such as an anabolic steroid, human growth hormone, or erythropoietin) that is used illicitly to improve athletic performance

In the United States, more than 1 million elite and recreational athletes use performance-enhancing drugs for muscle building purposes.

—Josiah D. Rich et al.

…33 of the 48 major and minor league players suspended by baseball for using performance-enhancing drugs since the start of 2006 were pitchers.

—Sean Gregory

Roger Bannister, the first person to run a subpar four-minute mile, said today he thought that increased use of blood testing could help curb the use of performance-enhancing drugs by track and field athletes.

—The New York Times

—abbreviation PED

Examples of performance-enhancing drug in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

It has long been speculated that Sosa took performance-enhancing drugs during his career, most notably during his home run binge in the late '90s. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 19 Dec. 2024

Detroit Lions speedy receiver Jameson Williams was suspended two games by the NFL for violating the league’s performance-enhancing drugs policy. —Scott Thompson, Fox News, 24 Oct. 2024

If performance-enhancing drugs will improve their lucidity, their ability to solve problems — and in one of the candidates' cases, improve their truthfulness, morality, and malignant narcissism — then suppository away. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 28 June 2024

Dillashaw’s accomplishments warrant consideration for induction into the UFC Hall of Fame, but his history with performance-enhancing drugs could delay or complicate his entry. —Brian Mazique, Forbes, 25 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above