methamphetamine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Medical, Legal, Journalism, Academic
Quick answer
What does “methamphetamine” mean?
A powerful, highly addictive synthetic stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A powerful, highly addictive synthetic stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.
A crystalline drug, chemically known as N-methylamphetamine, which is typically smoked, snorted, injected, or taken orally. It produces intense euphoria, increased energy, and decreased appetite, but is associated with severe health, social, and legal consequences. It is often manufactured illegally in clandestine laboratories.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major lexical differences. Spelling is identical. The slang term 'crystal meth' is equally common in both varieties. The drug's prevalence and associated societal issues are more frequently discussed in American media.
Connotations
Strongly negative connotations in both varieties, associated with addiction, crime, and social decay. In the UK, it is often perceived as a growing problem linked to other drug epidemics, whereas in the US it is a long-established and deeply entrenched issue, particularly in certain regions.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to greater historical prevalence and media coverage of the 'meth epidemic'. In British English, terms like 'cocaine' or 'heroin' might be more frequent in general drug-related discourse, though 'methamphetamine' is standard in official contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “methamphetamine” in a Sentence
The police seized [QUANTITY] of methamphetamine.He was convicted for producing/distributing/possessing methamphetamine.Addiction to methamphetamine is difficult to treat.The report detailed the rise in methamphetamine [USE/ABUSE].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “methamphetamine” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Methamphetamine is not used as a verb.]
American English
- [Methamphetamine is not used as a verb.]
adverb
British English
- [Methamphetamine is not used as an adverb.]
American English
- [Methamphetamine is not used as an adverb.]
adjective
British English
- [Rarely used adjectivally. 'Methamphetamine-related crime' is possible.]
- The clinic specialised in methamphetamine addiction.
American English
- [Rarely used adjectivally. 'Methamphetamine epidemic' is possible.]
- She testified before the methamphetamine task force.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Rarely used. May appear in reports on pharmaceutical regulation or in risk assessments for companies operating in affected regions.]
Academic
Common in medical, pharmacological, criminological, and public health research. (e.g., 'Long-term methamphetamine use is associated with neurotoxic effects.')
Everyday
Used in news reports, documentaries, and serious conversations about drug abuse. Informal slang is preferred in casual speech.
Technical
The standard term in pharmacology, forensic science, and legal statutes. Precise chemical nomenclature is used in research.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “methamphetamine”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “methamphetamine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “methamphetamine”
- Misspelling as 'methamphetamines' (plural) when referring to the substance generically (usually uncountable). Incorrect: 'He was carrying methamphetamines.' Correct: 'He was carrying methamphetamine.' Plural can be used for types or batches. Mispronunciation: stressing the wrong syllable, e.g., /ˈmeθəmfɛtəmiːn/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Methamphetamine is a specific, more potent derivative of amphetamine. It has a stronger effect on the central nervous system and a higher potential for addiction and harm.
Typically, it is an uncountable mass noun when referring to the substance (e.g., 'a shipment of methamphetamine'). It can be pluralized when referring to multiple types or distinct batches (e.g., 'different methamphetamines were analyzed').
Methamphetamine is the general chemical name for the drug. 'Crystal meth' is a specific street name for the clear, crystalized form of methamphetamine hydrochloride that is usually smoked.
Always use the full term in formal writing, academic papers, legal documents, official reports, and news journalism to maintain precision and neutrality. Slang is used in informal speech, creative writing (dialogue), or in specific socio-cultural discussions.
A powerful, highly addictive synthetic stimulant drug that affects the central nervous system.
Methamphetamine is usually formal, medical, legal, journalism, academic in register.
Methamphetamine: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmeθæmˈfetəmiːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmeθæmˈfetəˌmiːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms exist for this specific term. It may feature in phrases like 'a methamphetamine epidemic' or 'the scourge of methamphetamine'.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: METH (makes you think of chemistry) + AMPHETAMINE (the drug class). It's a 'more powerful' version of amphetamine, starting with 'METH-' like 'methyl', a chemical group.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SCOURGE / A PLAGUE / A MONSTER (conceptualised as a destructive force invading communities and consuming individuals).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a common slang term for methamphetamine?