drug
n. countablen. a chemical substance that changes how your body or mind works. Some are medicines that help you get better, while others are used for fun and can be dangerous.
n. a chemical substance, whether natural or synthetic, that induces a physiological or psychological effect when introduced into the body. Often used to refer specifically to pharmaceutical medications or illicit psychoactive substances.
The doctor gave me a drug to help with the pain.
Researchers are testing a new drug that might help people sleep better without feeling tired the next day.
The pharmaceutical industry invests billions into the development of a single drug, navigating rigorous clinical trials before the product reaches the public market.
Commonly used as a synonym for 'medicine' in American English, whereas British English often prefers 'medicine' for legal treatments.