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narcotism

American  
[nahr-kuh-tiz-uhm] / ˈnɑr kəˌtɪz əm /

noun

  1. habitual use of narcotics.

  2. the action or influence of narcotics.

  3. narcosis.


narcotism British  
/ ˈnɑːkəˌtɪzəm /

noun

  1. stupor or addiction induced by narcotic drugs

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • narcotist noun

Etymology

Origin of narcotism

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various

Yet the tincture is followed by a more rapid narcotism, but of shorter duration, and attended with more nerve disturbance at the onset.

From Alcohol: A Dangerous and Unnecessary Medicine, How and Why What Medical Writers Say by Allen, Martha Meir

The desire to sleep was intoxicating, delicious, irresistible; and with it ran delicious, restful thrills through all his limbs, the narcotism of the blood.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 11, No. 23, February, 1873 by Various

Natural sleep is one of these; the unconsciousness of narcotism or anesthesia is another.

From Psychotherapy by Walsh, James J. (James Joseph)

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?

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various