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

President Trump has linked tariffs on Beijing to its help fighting the fentanyl crisis.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 3, 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

US President Donald Trump has made the fight against criminal gangs sending illicit drugs such as heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamines and cocaine one of his priorities.

From BBC • Jan. 26, 2026

The same report and others make clear Venezuela does not play a substantial role in fentanyl production or trafficking.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 9, 2026

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

From MarketWatch • Jan. 5, 2026