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

But the amphetamine and methamphetamine markets in the Middle East had possibly grown beyond Assad’s control. —Ed Caesar, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2024

Following her initial arrest in Marinette County, Chelsea was charged with multiple felony counts: neglecting a child, possession of methamphetamine and maintaining a drug trafficking place, according to court records viewed by PEOPLE. —Bailey Richards, People.com, 20 Oct. 2024

Production of methamphetamine in the region has also surged in recent years, outpacing heroin and opium. —Rebecca Wright, CNN, 19 Oct. 2024

Fentanyl and opioids remain the top killers in Ohio, followed by cocaine and psychostimulants such as methamphetamine, according to the report. —Jessie Balmert, The Enquirer, 30 Oct. 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