a narcotic that is considered a hard drug; a highly addictive morphine derivative; intravenous injection provides the fastest and most intense rush
"The addict's life spiraled downward after he switched to injecting heroin, as the rapid onset of its euphoric high made quitting nearly impossible."
A powerful and addictive drug derived from opium producing intense euphoria classed as an illegal narcotic in most of the world.
"Many people become trapped in a devastating cycle when they abuse heroin, seeking its intense euphoria despite knowing it is an illegal narcotic that destroys lives."
In plain English: Heroin is an illegal and extremely dangerous drug that makes people feel high but can ruin their health and life very quickly.
"The police raided the warehouse and seized several kilograms of heroin from the smugglers."
Usage: Avoid using this term casually or metaphorically, as it refers strictly to a dangerous illicit substance with no accepted figurative meanings. Its usage is almost exclusively restricted to medical, legal, or journalistic contexts discussing addiction and crime.
Since the 1890s, heroin entered English from German where it was originally sold under this trademark name. The word combines Ancient Greek elements meaning "hero" with the suffix "-in," likely chosen because its powerful effects as a painkiller and cough suppressant felt heroic or perhaps to honor that medical school of thought.