narcotism

[nahr-kuh-tiz-uhm]

noun

1. habitual use of narcotics.

2. the action or influence of narcotics.

3. narcosis.

narcotism

/ ˈnɑːkəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. stupor or addiction induced by narcotic drugs

Other Word Forms

• narcotist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of narcotism¹

1825–35; earlier narcoticism. See narcotic, -ism

Example Sentences

When the vomiting and purging begin to subside and reaction is about to commence, small and repeated doses of opiates undoubtedly tend to lessen the evacuations; but great caution must be observed not to exceed the due degree of stimulation, lest a dangerous state of narcotism or collapse be induced.

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How does a patient breathe when moribund from simple exhaustion, and how does such respiration differ from the toil and struggle of asthma or the stertor of narcotism?

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Slowness, in marked degree, attends apoplexy, opium narcotism, and fracture of the skull compressing the brain.

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Stertorous respiration is familiar in apoplectic coma, as well as in that of brain compression from injury or from opium or alcoholic narcotism.

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Indeed, it is said to produce narcotism in some cases.

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