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performance-enhancing

American  
[per-fawr-muhns en-han-sing, ‐en-hahn-sing] / pərˈfɔr məns ɛnˌhæn sɪŋ, ‐ɛnˌhɑn sɪŋ /

adjective

  1. noting or relating to a drug or other substance used to improve one's performance in a sport or other activity requiring strength, stamina, etc..

    The use of performance-enhancing steroids by athletes is banned.


Etymology

Origin of performance-enhancing

First recorded in 1975–1980

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.

Reframe your sleep as a performance-enhancing strategy, says Troxel.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

Last month, having signed up to the project after retiring from elite sprinting, Prescod told the BBC that he would not take performance-enhancing drugs.

From BBC • Feb. 5, 2026

It was obvious to anyone who followed baseball closely in the 1990s and early 2000s that Sosa’s achievements were allegedly aided by performance-enhancing drugs.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 19, 2024

Even so, MYC is not likely to be the basis of a new therapy for sarcopenia or a performance-enhancing drug.

From Science Daily • Dec. 3, 2024

And when he contemplates this year's Olympics, Louganis offers a unique viewpoint, including his opinions on the current controversies over the use of performance-enhancing resources.

From Salon • Aug. 10, 2024