# opium

/ˈoʊpiəm/ (US) · /ˈəʊpiəm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/opium
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the narcotic drug

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a strong, addictive drug made from the juice of certain poppy flowers.

For teachers: an addictive narcotic drug prepared from the juice of the unripe seed pods of the opium poppy, containing alkaloids such as morphine.

- In the past, doctors sometimes used opium to treat very strong pain.
- The 19th-century trade in opium had devastating social consequences, leading to widespread addiction and significant geopolitical conflicts between major powers.

### 2. something that numbs the mind

noun · CEFR C2 · Literary · Academic

something that makes people feel calm or happy so they do not notice real problems.

For teachers: a metaphorical influence that numbs the senses, pacifies the mind, or prevents people from taking action against injustice.

- Some critics say that social media has become the new opium of the people.
- The philosopher argued that cheap entertainment acted as an opium for the masses, distracting them from the deteriorating economic conditions of their daily lives.

Usage: Often used in the phrase 'opium of the people' or 'opium of the masses'.

Teaching tip: This sense is almost always a reference to Karl Marx's famous statement about religion; use it when discussing things that keep the public passive.

## Examples

- The doctor explained the history of opium in medicine.
- During the nineteenth century, opium was a common ingredient in many household medicines used to treat pain and coughs.
- The trade of opium across international borders led to significant geopolitical conflicts and social crises throughout the nineteenth century, reshaping the economic landscape of several empires.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.