fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfen-tə-ˌnil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally (as by intravenous or epidural injection)

Examples of fentanyl in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Trump administration, for example, has placed 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 20% on China to incentivize them to reduce the flow of fentanyl into the United States. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 7 July 2025

These measures allow individuals to test their drugs for the presence of fentanyl and have immediate access to overdose-reversing medication. —Andrew Yockey, The Conversation, 3 July 2025

In a statement at the time, the U.S. Treasury Department said the group facilitates the production and trafficking of fentanyl. —Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2025

Some higher tariffs, such as those imposed by Washington related to the trade in fentanyl and duties on aluminum and steel, remain in place. —Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 27 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably alteration of phenethyl, a monovalent radical derived from ethylbenzine, from phen- + ethyl

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

fentanyl

noun

fen·​ta·​nyl ˈfent-ᵊn-ˌil 

: a synthetic opioid narcotic analgesic C₂₂H₂₈N₂O with pharmacological action similar to morphine that is administered transdermally as a skin patch and in the form of its citrate C₂₂H₂₈N₂O·C₆H₈O₇ is administered orally or parenterally

Note: Fentanyl is marketed under the trademark Actiq.