methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌme-tham-ˈfe-tə-ˌmēn 

-thəm-, 

-mən

: a synthetic or semisynthetic compound C₁₀H₁₅N that stimulates the central nervous system, is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity, and that is often abused illicitly for its stimulant properties

… methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant whose longtime consumers tend to suffer from paranoia, depression, hallucinations, and violent rages.

—William Finnegan

called also meth, methedrine, speed

compare crystal meth

Examples of methamphetamine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2016, Rios was charged with possessing Xanax without a prescription and methamphetamine, both misdemeanors. — Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 17 Sep. 2026

They have since been released, and the driver was taken into custody on charges of DUI – drugs and possession of methamphetamine. — Dan Raby, CBS News, 17 Sep. 2026

Massive stockpiles of methamphetamine smuggled onto the islands by cartels have seeped into the local communities, spurring a widespread addiction crisis and straining the local health system. — Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2026

Like fentanyl, it is often mixed with other drugs like methamphetamine, bromazolam and cocaine, without users knowing. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1949, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing methamphetamine

• crystal methamphetamine

Kids Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn 

: a drug derived from amphetamine that is often used illegally as a stimulant of the central nervous system

Medical Definition

methamphetamine

noun

meth·​am·​phet·​amine ˌmeth-am-ˈfet-ə-ˌmēn, ˌmeth-əm-, -mən 

: an amine C₁₀H₁₅N that is used medically in the form of its crystalline hydrochloride C₁₀H₁₅N·HCl especially to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and obesity and that is often abused illicitly as a stimulant

called also meth, methedrine, methylamphetamine, speed