amphetamine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Medical, Legal, Journalism
Quick answer
What does “amphetamine” mean?
A strong synthetic stimulant drug that increases alertness and concentration.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong synthetic stimulant drug that increases alertness and concentration.
Specifically refers to a central nervous system stimulant used medically (e.g., for ADHD, narcolepsy) but widely abused recreationally for its euphoric and energizing effects. Often encountered as a sulphate salt.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. UK English more commonly uses 'sulphate' spelling; US uses 'sulfate'.
Connotations
Equally strong negative connotations in both varieties due to association with drug abuse, addiction, and illegal trade.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in news and medical/legal discourse. Slightly more common in US media due to larger scale of prescription stimulant use/abuse discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “amphetamine” in a Sentence
[to be] on amphetamine(s)[to be] addicted to amphetamine(s)[to be] charged with possession of amphetamine[to be] treated with amphetaminethe effects of amphetamineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “amphetamine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (not standard; 'to amphetamine' is not a verb)
American English
- (not standard; 'to amphetamine' is not a verb)
adverb
British English
- (none)
American English
- (none)
adjective
British English
- (attributive use common) 'amphetamine psychosis', 'amphetamine sulphate', 'amphetamine addiction'
American English
- (attributive use common) 'amphetamine salts', 'amphetamine sulfate', 'amphetamine epidemic'
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in pharmaceutical industry reports or law enforcement budgets.
Academic
Common in pharmacology, neuroscience, psychiatry, criminology, and public health research.
Everyday
Used in news reports about drug raids, addiction stories, or discussions of ADHD treatment.
Technical
Precise term in medicine (e.g., 'amphetamine-induced cardiomyopathy'), chemistry, and toxicology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “amphetamine”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “amphetamine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “amphetamine”
- Misspelling: 'amphetimine', 'amphatamine'. Incorrect pluralization: treating it as only uncountable when countable use is correct (e.g., 'He took two amphetamines'). Confusing 'amphetamine' (the class) with 'methamphetamine' (a specific type).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, certain amphetamines like Adderall or Dexedrine are legal prescription medications for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy, but are strictly controlled substances.
Methamphetamine is a more potent, more addictive, and longer-lasting derivative of amphetamine. It has a higher potential for abuse and neurotoxicity.
Yes, even when taken as prescribed, tolerance and dependence can develop. Misuse significantly increases the risk of addiction.
It reflects the British English spelling of 'sulphate', whereas American English uses 'amphetamine sulfate'. It's the same chemical compound.
A strong synthetic stimulant drug that increases alertness and concentration.
Amphetamine is usually formal, medical, legal, journalism in register.
Amphetamine: in British English it is pronounced /amˈfɛtəmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /æmˈfɛtəmiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not an idiom, but common slang phrase] 'on speed' (meaning under the influence of amphetamines)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
AMP up your energy - AMPHETAMINE. Think: 'AMPlify' alertness.
Conceptual Metaphor
Amphetamine is fuel/fire (e.g., 'fueling addiction', 'a fire in the brain'). Amphetamine is a tool/weapon (e.g., 'a tool for all-night studying', 'a weapon against narcolepsy').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'amphetamine' LEAST likely to be used accurately?