n. 1. Any of various analgesic, narcotic drugs derived from the opium poppy, such as morphine or codeine. 2. See opioid. 3. Something that dulls the senses and induces relaxation or torpor. adj. 1. a. Containing opium or any of its derivatives. b. Resembling opium or its derivatives in activity. 2. Inducing sleep or sedation; soporific. 3. Causing dullness or apathy; deadening. tr.v. (-āt′) o·pi·at·ed, o·pi·at·ing, o·pi·ates 1. To subject to the action of an opiate. 2. To dull or deaden as if with a narcotic drug. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.