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

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

Advertisement Bonds, the only seven-time most valuable player in major league history, and Clemens, the only seven-time Cy Young winner, were both linked to the use of performance-enhancing drugs. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024

When the Padres got back to the postseason in 2022, Tatis was suspended for his use of performance-enhancing drugs. —Ryan Morik, Fox News, 3 Oct. 2024

Another long-term factor has been the league’s reputation for loosely enforcing performance-enhancing drugs. —Rustin Dodd, The Athletic, 8 Aug. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1973, in the meaning defined above