benzedrine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Historical/Technical/Informal
Quick answer
What does “benzedrine” mean?
A former brand name for amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A former brand name for amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant.
A slang or informal term for amphetamine or a type of stimulant drug, historically used for conditions like narcolepsy or to suppress appetite, now more commonly referred to by its generic name. It can also refer to the specific chemical compound racemic amphetamine sulfate.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely consistent as a historical/technical term. No significant dialectal differences in meaning.
Connotations
Carries a mid-20th-century, 'old-fashioned medicine' connotation in both varieties. May evoke images of wartime or post-war use.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, primarily encountered in historical, medical, or substance abuse contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “benzedrine” in a Sentence
N (as subject): The Benzedrine kept him awake.V + N (as object): He was taking Benzedrine.Prep + N: high on BenzedrineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “benzedrine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was benzedrined up for the long drive. (rare, non-standard)
American English
- She benzedrined her way through finals week. (rare, non-standard)
adjective
British English
- His benzedrine-fuelled ramblings were hard to follow.
American English
- A benzedrine-fueled all-night study session was common in the 1950s.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical, pharmacological, or substance abuse studies to refer to the specific product.
Everyday
Rare, except in historical discussion or among older generations; 'speed' or generic names are more common.
Technical
Used precisely to refer to the historical branded racemic amphetamine product, often in contrast to dextroamphetamine.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “benzedrine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “benzedrine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “benzedrine”
- Misspelling as 'benzedrene', 'benzadrine'.
- Using it as a current generic term for all amphetamines; it's historically specific.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The specific Benzedrine brand is largely obsolete. However, amphetamine medications (like Adderall, which contains amphetamine salts) are still prescribed for conditions like ADHD and narcolepsy.
It's culturally and historically significant, marking an era when amphetamines were widely and legally used, influencing literature, music, and work habits before their addictive potential was fully understood.
Benzedrine was racemic (mixed) amphetamine. Many modern medications like Adderall are also amphetamine-based but may have different salt compositions or ratios, while others like Ritalin are methylphenidate, a different stimulant.
No, it's inaccurate and sounds dated. It refers specifically to the historical product. Use 'stimulant', 'amphetamine', or a current brand/generic name for modern equivalents.
A former brand name for amphetamine, a central nervous system stimulant.
Benzedrine is usually historical/technical/informal in register.
Benzedrine: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɛnzɪdriːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɛnzəˌdrin/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to the trademark. General idioms for stimulants might apply, e.g., 'wired on...'”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'BENZ' like a car (fast) + 'EDRINE' sounds like 'adrenaline' (energy). Benzedrine was a fast-energy drug.
Conceptual Metaphor
STIMULANT IS FUEL / STIMULANT IS A MACHINE (e.g., 'He's running on Benzedrine').
Practice
Quiz
What is Benzedrine?