cocaine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-HighFormal, Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “cocaine” mean?
A powerful addictive stimulant drug, derived from coca leaves, used illegally as a narcotic.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powerful addictive stimulant drug, derived from coca leaves, used illegally as a narcotic.
The illegal substance in powder or crystal form, which is typically snorted, injected, or smoked to produce euphoria and increased energy. It can also refer to the drug in a generic sense, or be used metaphorically to describe something highly stimulating or addictive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The core meaning and usage are identical. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent. Slang terms associated with it (e.g., 'coke', 'snow', 'blow') are used in both varieties.
Connotations
Identically strong negative connotations related to illegality, addiction, and social harm.
Frequency
Equal frequency in news, legal, and public health discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “cocaine” in a Sentence
to be addicted to cocaineto be charged with possession of cocaineto smuggle cocaine into [country]to be under the influence of cocaineVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cocaine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The documentary explored how people become cocaine addicts.
- He was cautioned for being found to cocaine.
American English
- He was arrested for attempting to cocaine deal.
- The report detailed how the gang would cocaine the shipments.
adjective
British English
- The police made a major cocaine bust.
- He had a severe cocaine problem.
American English
- The city has a significant cocaine trade.
- She entered a cocaine rehabilitation program.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in contexts of illegal trade, law enforcement reports, or corporate anti-drug policies.
Academic
Used in sociology, criminology, public health, medical, and pharmacology studies.
Everyday
Used in discussions about crime, addiction, personal stories, or news reports.
Technical
Used in forensic science, toxicology reports, and clinical medical contexts (historical anesthetic).
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cocaine”
- Misspelling as 'cocain' (dropping the 'e'). Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'He cocained last night' – use 'used cocaine' or 'did cocaine').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In modern medicine, its use is extremely rare and highly restricted. Historically, it was used as a local anesthetic, but safer alternatives have replaced it.
Crack is a freebase form of cocaine that is usually smoked. It is often less pure, cheaper, and considered more addictive and destructive.
Due to its role in international drug trafficking, associated crime, public health crises, and high-profile addiction cases.
Yes, though carefully. It can describe something intensely stimulating or addictive, e.g., 'The market was on a cocaine high during the boom.'
A powerful addictive stimulant drug, derived from coca leaves, used illegally as a narcotic.
Cocaine is usually formal, informal, slang in register.
Cocaine: in British English it is pronounced /kə(ʊ)ˈkeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /koʊˈkeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He's] on a cocaine high.”
- “[It's] like trying to sell cocaine to a cop. (idiomatic for a very risky/bad idea)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a train (sounds like 'caine') that is fast and powerful but dangerous and off the rails – just like the effects of the drug.
Conceptual Metaphor
DRUG AS A MONSTER/PREDATOR (e.g., 'cocaine claimed his life'), DRUG AS A COMMODITY (e.g., 'the cocaine trade'), DRUG AS A JOURNEY TO NOWHERE.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common slang term for cocaine?