fentanyl

American  

[fen-tuh-nil] / ˈfɛn tə nɪl /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic, short-acting narcotic analgesic and sedative, C 22 H 28 N 2 O, used pharmacologically in anesthesia and neuroleptanalgesia, and also as an illicit drug: Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

   Medics quickly administered fentanyl to the injured soldiers.

   Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

---

fentanyl British  

/ ˈfɛntəˌnaɪl /

noun

1. a narcotic drug used in medicine to relieve pain

---

Etymology

Origin of fentanyl

First recorded in 1960–65; contraction and respelling of the chemical name N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidyl)propionanilide

Example Sentences

The conventional messaging, however, focused on “proven solutions” for fighting crime like “tougher sentences for criminal gun, fentanyl and human traffickers.”

From Salon • Apr. 29, 2026

In February 2025, he declared an emergency at the border over what he said was rampant migration and fentanyl trafficking and threatened 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the top two U.S. trading partners.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 28, 2026

The raid came amid pressure from US President Donald Trump for Mexico to stem the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Seizures of fentanyl at the U.S.-Mexico border have fallen in recent years, while seizures of cocaine have risen.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 8, 2026

Experts say Venezuela is a not a significant producer of fentanyl.

From BBC • Nov. 16, 2025