methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-thəm-,

-mən

: a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C₁₀H₁₅N that stimulates the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties

… methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.

—William Finnegan

called also meth, methedrine, speed

compare crystal meth

Examples of methamphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

According to prosecutors, Rendon, the victim, was arrested on May 27 while trying to smuggle less than a half-pound of methamphetamine into the U.S. through a pedestrian crossing lane from Tijuana to San Diego. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 Mar. 2025

One individual was later arrested, and is now facing two charges: trespassing and possession of methamphetamines. —Abe Aboraya, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025

Orange and blue bags that typically contain a cheesy snack were used to conceal about 40 pounds of methamphetamine, according to Indiana deputies. —Kate Linderman, Kansas City Star, 7 Mar. 2025

Smith pleaded guilty on Dec. 5, 2024, to possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of, five grams or more of methamphetamine, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 28 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methamphetamine

• crystal methamphetamine

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

: a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən 

: an amine C₁₀H₁₅N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed