opiate
UK[ˈəʊ.pi.ət]US[ˈoʊ.pi.ət]
n
a drug that contains opium, used to reduce pain or help someone sleep
n
something that causes people to be inactive and not think about problems
Morpheme Breakdown
opi
ate
opi
opium
ate
having the nature of
Etymology
the word 'opiate' has a direct lineage from the latin 'opiatus', meaning 'bringing sleep', which itself is formed from 'opium'. the latin 'opium' was borrowed from ancient greek 'ópion', a diminutive of 'opós' meaning 'vegetable juice, sap', referring specifically to the juice of the poppy. thus, the literal construction 'having the nature of opium' evolved into the modern term, first for medicinal narcotics derived from opium and later metaphorically for anything that dulls sensation or awareness.
Analysis
Structure: opi (opium) + ate (having the nature of)
opi is derived from latin 'opium', meaning 'poppy juice, opium'. ate is a latin-derived suffix forming adjectives and nouns meaning 'characterized by, having the nature of'.
Examples
the doctor prescribed an opiate to manage her severe post-operative pain.
some critics argue that television serves as a modern opiate for the masses.
the use of powerful opiates requires strict medical supervision due to the risk of addiction.