Dope

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb, Adjective

Pronunciation

/doʊp/

Definitions

• (Noun) A drug, especially an illegal one like marijuana or heroin.
• (Noun) Information, especially secret or inside knowledge.
• (Noun) A stupid or foolish person.
• (Verb) To treat or add a substance to something to improve or alter it.
• (Verb) To administer drugs to enhance performance or alter behavior.
• (Adjective - Slang) Excellent or outstanding.

Usage Examples

• He was arrested for possessing dope.
• The journalist got the inside dope on the scandal.
• Stop acting like a dope and think carefully.
• Scientists dope silicon to improve its conductivity.
• The athlete was disqualified for doping.
• That new song is totally dope!

Etymology

Derived from the Dutch word "doop," meaning "sauce" or "thick liquid," later adopted in English to refer to drugs and other substances.

Synonyms

• (Noun) Drug, narcotic, intelligence, fool
• (Verb) Adulterate, enhance, drug
• (Adjective) Cool, awesome, excellent

Antonyms

• (Noun) Clarity, sobriety, genius
• (Verb) Purify, cleanse
• (Adjective) Lame, boring, mediocre

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In British English, "dope" is often pronounced the same as in American English, but context determines its meaning.

Historical Usage

The term "dope" was used in the 19th century to describe thick liquids, later extending to drugs, intelligence, and slang for excellence.

Cultural Nuances

"Dope" has various meanings in different contexts, from illegal substances to compliments in modern slang.

More Information

While originally referring to a substance, "dope" evolved into slang for cool or excellent things in hip-hop culture. In technology, it refers to adding impurities to semiconductors.