gateway drug

American  

[geyt-wey druhg] / ˈgeɪt weɪ ˌdrʌg /

noun

1. any drug, as a stimulant or tranquilizer, whose use may lead to the use of more dangerous or addictive drugs such as heroin.

---

gateway drug British  

noun

1. a recreational drug such as cannabis, the use of which is believed by some to encourage the user to try stronger drugs

---

Etymology

Origin of gateway drug

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

“Trash, in particular, is almost a gateway drug for bears,” West said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The problem is "far greater" than her clinic, she says, and she is concerned vaping could become a gateway drug into smoking and other dependences.

From BBC

As for its abundance problem, zucchini has been described as a “gateway drug” to combat rising food insecurity through community gardening and community engagement.

From Salon

The gateway drug theory and many other ideas about drug use have been put into question in recent years as more resources are dedicated to understanding substance use, which has been highly stigmatized for decades.

From Salon

My gateway drug was a set reminiscent of an ice cream truck.

From Los Angeles Times