drug
noun [ C ]
uk/drʌɡ/ usa natural or artificially made substance that is used as a medicine:
an anti-cancer drug
The state is grappling for ways to curb rising drug costs in its $1 billion Medicaid drug budget.
a natural or artificially made substance, especially one that is illegal, which is taken for pleasure, to improve performance in an activity, or because someone is addicted (= cannot stop taking it):
a banned/illegal drug
take/abuse drugs He admitted abusing drugs and alcohol his entire adult life before ending up in jail.
See also
prescription drug