: a fatty acid C4H8O3 structurally similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid that is a depressant of the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its sodium salt C4H7NaO3 especially to treat narcolepsy, is used illicitly in the form of one of several salts to produce sedative and euphoric effects, and is sometimes abused by athletes and body builders to stimulate the release of growth hormone although it has not been shown to increase muscle mass

called also gamma hydroxybutyrate

see date-rape drug

Examples of GHB in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
When co-host Grandmaison mentioned speculation based on recent civil lawsuits that the depressant drug gamma-hydroxybutyrate (also known as GHB) could've been in the baby oil Combs is accused of using during freak-offs, Cannon pushed back. Kimi Robinson, USA TODAY, 23 Oct. 2024 At a press conference, Damian Williams, the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, said the women were given ketamine, ecstasy and GHB. Jem Aswad, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2024 Some victims were provided drugs including ketamine, GHB and ecstasy. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2024 Williams said during his press conference that those substances included ketamine, ecstasy, and gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB). Chantelle Lee, TIME, 17 Sep. 2024 Ronald Schroeder, 41, pleaded not guilty to charges of concealing a human corpse and possession of both methamphetamine and GHB at his arraignment Saturday, court records show. Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 9 Sep. 2024 The kits typically test for substances such as flunitrazepam, ketamine, and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid, also known as GHB. Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 3 July 2024 She was found to have a low level of alcohol in her system, while GHB was discovered in her system. Mara H. Gottfried, Twin Cities, 8 Mar. 2024 Then Khazar and her friend took three hits of GHB and passed out. Albert Samaha, Rolling Stone, 22 Oct. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1963, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of GHB was in 1963

Dictionary Entries Near GHB

Cite this Entry

“GHB.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/GHB. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

: a fatty acid C4H8O3 structurally similar to gamma-aminobutyric acid that is a depressant of the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its sodium salt C4H7NaO3 especially to treat narcolepsy, is used illicitly in the form of one of several salts to produce sedative and euphoric effects, and is sometimes abused by athletes and body builders to stimulate the release of growth hormone although it has not been shown to increase muscle mass

called also gamma hydroxybutyrate

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!