viagra
C1Formal medical; also informal in metaphorical use.
Definition
Meaning
A prescription drug used to treat erectile dysfunction in men.
A brand name for sildenafil citrate; often used generically to refer to any medication for erectile dysfunction; sometimes used metaphorically for anything that provides a sudden boost or revitalisation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Viagra is a proprietary eponym (a brand name that has entered common usage). Its primary meaning is highly specific to medicine, but its metaphorical extension is colloquial.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Spelling is identical.
Connotations
Identical medical connotations. Colloquial metaphorical use ('a viagra for the economy') is equally understood in both varieties.
Frequency
Frequency in medical contexts is identical. Colloquial metaphorical use might be slightly more frequent in British media commentary.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Someone] takes Viagra for [condition].[Something] acts like Viagra for [system/institution].Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A Viagra for the economy (metaphor for a sudden stimulant).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in pharmaceutical industry reports or metaphorical use ('The new policy was a Viagra for the flagging market.').
Academic
Common in medical and pharmacological research papers.
Everyday
Common in discussions of health/medicine; metaphorical use occurs in journalism and casual conversation.
Technical
Standard term in urology, pharmacology, and general practice.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The government hopes to viagra the housing market with the new scheme. (informal, metaphorical)
American English
- The coach tried to viagra the team's morale at halftime. (informal, metaphorical)
adjective
British English
- He made a viagra-like recovery after the news. (informal)
American English
- The plan had a viagra effect on sales figures. (informal)
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The doctor gave him medicine.
- Some men take a medicine called Viagra for health problems.
- The doctor prescribed Viagra to treat the patient's erectile dysfunction.
- While effective, Viagra carries potential side effects such as headaches and flushing.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
VIAGRA: Very Important Agent Giving Reliable Activity.
Conceptual Metaphor
MEDICATION IS A TOOL FOR REPAIR/ENHANCEMENT; A STIMULANT IS A DRUG.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct transliteration 'Виагра' is used and correct. No specific false friends, but the metaphorical extension may not be immediately obvious.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Viagra' as a countable noun for a single pill without 'tablet' or 'dose' (e.g., 'He took a Viagra' is informal).
- Misspelling as 'Viagra', 'Viagera'.
- Using it as a generic verb ('to viagra something').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'Viagra' used in its primary, non-metaphorical sense?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a brand name for sildenafil citrate, but it is often used generically in everyday language.
Yes, informally and metaphorically, it can describe anything that provides a sudden boost or revival (e.g., 'a Viagra for the economy').
Yes, as a proprietary trademark, it should be capitalized: Viagra. In informal metaphorical use, lowercase is sometimes seen.
Its primary and approved use is to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) in men by increasing blood flow.