benzo

¹

[ ben-zoh ]

noun

, Slang.

1. benzodiazepine ( def ).

benzo-

²

1. a combining form used in the names of chemical compounds in which benzene, benzoic acid, or one or more of the phenyl groups is present:

   benzocaine.

benzo-

combining_form

1. indicating a benzene ring fused to another ring in a polycyclic compound

   benzofuran

2. indicating derivation from benzene or benzoic acid or the presence of phenyl groups

   benzophenone

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzo¹

By shortening

Origin of benzo²

benz(ene) or benz(oic) + -o-

Word History and Origins

Origin of benzo¹

from benzoin

Example Sentences

The first death attributed to this benzo substitute was an outlier in 2012.

From BBC

Sylmar’s Matthew Benzo gave up five hits while striking out five and walking one to pick up the win.

From Los Angeles Times

Sylmar’s Matthew Benzo allowed five hits while striking out five and walking one to pick up the win.

From Los Angeles Times

Her family wonders how Amber’s last dose could have contained fentanyl, xylazine and meclonazepam, a “designer benzo” that is not approved for medical use in the United States but can be purchased online.

From Washington Post

He makes music under the name Benzo, and he wanted to walk out to his own songs in Tokyo.

From Seattle Times