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

Alesia Jarrett, a security guard at Elmore Correctional Facility in Alabama, was jailed on drug trafficking charges after she was was found in possession of about 250 grams of methamphetamine, the state prison system said in a news release. —Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 7 Dec. 2024

Chelsea, 27, was arrested in Marinette County, Wis., on Nov. 18, on two felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, a felony count of possession of narcotic drugs and two felony counts of bail jumping, according to court records obtained by PEOPLE. —Charna Flam, People.com, 6 Dec. 2024

Residue found inside the device tested positive for methamphetamine. —Lauryn Overhultz, Fox News, 3 Dec. 2024

Chelsea was charged with multiple felony counts, including neglecting a child, possession of methamphetamine, and maintaining a place for drug trafficking. —Shania Russell, EW.com, 3 Dec. 2024

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