fentanyl

American  

[fen-tuh-nil] / ˈfɛn tə nɪl /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a synthetic, short-acting narcotic analgesic and sedative, C 22 H 28 N 2 O, used pharmacologically in anesthesia and neuroleptanalgesia, and also as an illicit drug: Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

   Medics quickly administered fentanyl to the injured soldiers.

   Drug dealers are lacing heroin with fentanyl.

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fentanyl British  

/ ˈfɛntəˌnaɪl /

noun

1. a narcotic drug used in medicine to relieve pain

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Etymology

Origin of fentanyl

First recorded in 1960–65; contraction and respelling of the chemical name N-(1-phenethyl-4-piperidyl)propionanilide

Example Sentences

Colby said it is important for people to understand that fentanyl cannot be absorbed through contact, so that they are not fearful to intervene when witnessing an overdose.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The raid came amid pressure from US President Donald Trump for Mexico to stem the flow of drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

The ruling also struck down tariffs imposed on China, Mexico and Canada related to fentanyl.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 21, 2026

China has made concessions on rare earths, soybeans and fentanyl.

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026

Patients exposed to music required lower doses of propofol and fentanyl.

From BBC • Nov. 24, 2025