meth: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumInformal, Slang, Avoid in formal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “meth” mean?
A powerful, illegal stimulant drug, specifically methamphetamine.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powerful, illegal stimulant drug, specifically methamphetamine; a dangerously addictive substance.
A colloquial, informal abbreviation for methamphetamine. Often used with negative connotations of addiction, criminality, and social decay. Also a historical term for a type of liquid fuel (methylated spirits).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in the primary drug-related meaning. The historical sense of 'methylated spirits' (as in 'drinking meths') is slightly more recognized in UK but is still very dated.
Connotations
Strongly negative in both varieties, associated with severe addiction, poverty, and crime.
Frequency
Medium frequency in news/media reporting on drug issues. Very low in general polite conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “meth” in a Sentence
cook VERB + meth OBJbe addicted to PREP + meth OBJuse VERB + meth OBJVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “meth” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Meth is not used as a verb in standard English]
American English
- [Meth is not used as a verb in standard English]
adverb
British English
- [Meth is not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Meth is not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- The house was a suspected meth lab.
- They were dealing with a growing meth problem in the community.
American English
- The town had a serious meth epidemic.
- He was arrested on meth charges.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used, except in specific industries like law enforcement consulting or pharmaceutical regulation.
Academic
Used in sociological, criminological, or medical papers discussing drug abuse.
Everyday
Used cautiously in conversation, typically when discussing news stories or social problems.
Technical
Used in forensic science, toxicology, and drug policy discussions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “meth”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “meth”
- Using 'meth' in formal writing (use 'methamphetamine').
- Confusing 'meth' with 'math' (mathematics) in speech.
- Overusing the term in general conversation where 'drugs' or 'substance abuse' would be more appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Meth' is the general short form for methamphetamine. 'Crystal meth' is a specific, smokeable form of the drug known for its crystalline appearance and high potency.
No, it is an informal/slang term. In formal contexts (academic, medical, legal), you should use the full term 'methamphetamine'.
It refers to the illegal process of synthesizing methamphetamine in a makeshift laboratory, often using hazardous chemicals.
Historically, it was a short form for 'methylated spirits' (a type of denatured alcohol). This usage is now very rare and mostly found in older texts or specific regional dialects.
A powerful, illegal stimulant drug, specifically methamphetamine.
Meth: in British English it is pronounced /mɛθ/, and in American English it is pronounced /mɛθ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'METH' sounds like 'death' – a dangerous drug that can lead to death.
Conceptual Metaphor
METH IS A DESTROYER (of health, life, communities). METH IS A MONSTER/FIRE (consuming, uncontrollable).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'meth' LEAST appropriate?