steroid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal in medical/scientific contexts; informal/slang in sports and figurative use.
Quick answer
What does “steroid” mean?
Any of a large class of organic compounds with a characteristic molecular structure containing four rings of carbon atoms (three six-membered and one five). They include many hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of a large class of organic compounds with a characteristic molecular structure containing four rings of carbon atoms (three six-membered and one five). They include many hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins.
1. In medicine and common usage: refers specifically to corticosteroid drugs used to reduce inflammation, or anabolic steroids used to build muscle. 2. In sports and fitness culture: commonly shorthand for illegal performance-enhancing anabolic steroids. 3. In figurative/colloquial use: something that dramatically boosts performance, growth, or intensity (e.g., 'a financial steroid').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. 'Steroid' is the universal term. The slang term 'roids' is slightly more common in US sports journalism.
Connotations
In both varieties, the word in isolation often implies 'anabolic androgenic steroids' (AAS) used for doping. The phrase 'on steroids' as an intensifier ('This is democracy on steroids') is equally common.
Frequency
Equally frequent in medical and general contexts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “steroid” in a Sentence
[Patient] was prescribed/prescribe [Recipient] steroids for [Condition][Athlete] tested positive for/takes/uses/abuses steroids[Substance/Event] acts like a steroid for [Domain]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “steroid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- 'He's been accused of steroiding' is possible but very informal/slang.
American English
- 'The athlete was suspected of steroiding up before the competition.' (slang)
adjective
British English
- steroid-induced psychosis
- a steroid-based treatment plan
American English
- steroid-fueled aggression
- a steroid-pumped physique
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'The new tax break was a steroid for the local property market.'
Academic
Scientific/Biochemistry: 'Cholesterol is a precursor for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones.'
Everyday
Medical: 'My doctor gave me a short course of steroids for my severe allergies.' Sports/Gym: 'He got banned for using steroids.'
Technical
Pharmacology: 'Prednisone is a synthetic glucocorticoid steroid used for its immunosuppressive effects.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “steroid”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “steroid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “steroid”
- Pronunciation: Mispronouncing as /steˈrɔɪd/ (stress on second syllable).
- Spelling: 'steriod', 'stereoid'.
- Usage: Using 'steroid' to refer to any illegal drug in sports (it's specific).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Corticosteroids are life-saving medicines prescribed for many conditions like asthma, arthritis, and severe allergies. The negative reputation comes from the abuse of anabolic steroids for performance enhancement.
Corticosteroids (like prednisone) mimic cortisol to reduce inflammation. Anabolic-androgenic steroids (like testosterone) mimic male sex hormones to promote muscle growth. They are different classes with different uses and side effects.
It's an idiomatic expression meaning 'in a much more extreme, powerful, or intense form.' Example: 'His new laptop is my old one on steroids.'
'Roid rage' is a colloquial term, not an official medical diagnosis. However, extreme irritability and aggression are documented potential side effects of high-dose anabolic steroid abuse, likely linked to hormonal imbalances.
Any of a large class of organic compounds with a characteristic molecular structure containing four rings of carbon atoms (three six-membered and one five). They include many hormones, alkaloids, and vitamins.
Steroid is usually formal in medical/scientific contexts; informal/slang in sports and figurative use. in register.
Steroid: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪərɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪrɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on steroids (meaning: in an extreme or enhanced form)”
- “roid rage (slang: aggressive behavior attributed to steroid use)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'STEReoID' - Imagine a bodybuilder listening to LOUD STEReo music to get pumped up, implying steroid use.
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER/ENHANCEMENT IS A STEROID; ARTIFICIAL BOOST IS A STEROID (e.g., 'The algorithm is a steroid for productivity').
Practice
Quiz
In a medical context, 'steroids' are most commonly prescribed to: