1. a highly addictive narcotic drug obtained from the opium poppy, used illegally as a recreational drug and medically as a painkiller
2. something that dulls the senses or induces inaction or a false sense of contentment
Usage: figurative

Examples

• Opium was widely used in medicine before safer alternatives were developed.
• The Opium Wars were fought between China and Britain in the 19th century.
• Opium addiction devastated many communities throughout history.
• The doctor prescribed morphine, which is derived from opium.
• Marx called religion the opium of the people.
• Television became the opium of modern society for many critics.
• The poppy fields were the source of illegal opium production.