methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-thəm-,

-mən

: a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C₁₀H₁₅N that stimulates the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties

… methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.

—William Finnegan

called also meth, methedrine, speed

compare crystal meth

Examples of methamphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Officials arrested Gutierrez-Ochoa in Riverside, California, on Tuesday and is charged with international drug trafficking and money laundering offenses, following years of importing tons of methamphetamine and cocaine into the country. —Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024

Tragically, Angus Cloud, who played Fez, died in July 2023 of an accidental overdose of fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 20 Nov. 2024

During the search, officers found a plastic pencil box in the passenger seat containing cocaine, methamphetamine and oxycodone tablets. —Bay City News Service, The Mercury News, 16 Nov. 2024

Among the drugs found in the home, according to MSP: Over 500 grams of methamphetamine; 10 grams of heroin; 6 grams of cocaine; and 371 grams of various pills, including oxycodone, gabapentin, and acetaminophen. —Andrea May Sahouri, Detroit Free Press, 14 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methamphetamine

• crystal methamphetamine

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

: a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən 

: an amine C₁₀H₁₅N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed