Word
amphetamine
Phoneticsam·phet·a·mine, stress on the second syllable
US/æmˈfɛtəˌmin/
UK/æmfˈɛtɐmˌiːn/
Countable & uncountable
Definition
n. a powerful drug that makes you feel more awake and energetic. It is sometimes used to treat medical conditions like ADHD, but it can be very dangerous if you use it without a doctor's help.
n. a central nervous system stimulant used medically to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and narcolepsy. It is also a common recreational drug with a high potential for abuse and physical dependence.
Examples
“The doctor prescribed amphetamine to help him stay focused.”
“Amphetamine is a controlled substance in most countries because of its high potential for addiction and its use in illicit drug manufacturing.”
“While amphetamine can significantly improve cognitive performance and alertness in clinical settings, its long-term use often leads to severe psychological and physiological consequences, including paranoia and cardiovascular strain.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor prescribed amphetamine to help him stay focused.”
contextual
“Amphetamine is a controlled substance in most countries because of its high potential for addiction and its use in illicit drug manufacturing.”
complex
“While amphetamine can significantly improve cognitive performance and alertness in clinical settings, its long-term use often leads to severe psychological and physiological consequences, including paranoia and cardiovascular strain.”
Real-World Examples
“A short précis – a cross-country journey undertaken by a UCLA drop-out armed only with a bag of amphetamines – makes the book sound like an Easy Rider tribute.” “Cocaine was associated with nearly double the risk of stroke, amphetamines with more than double the risk, and cannabis with a 37% increase.” Etymology
Shortened form of a(lpha-)m(ethyl)ph(en)eth(yl)amine.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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