drugs
Translation
illegal substances, narcotics
Examples
The police are cracking down on drugs.
The police are cracking down on drugs.
He has a serious problem with drugs.
He has a serious problem with drugs.
Grammar Patterns
to take/do drugs - to use illegal substances recreationally. Many young people are tempted to do drugs.
a problem with drugs - an addiction to illegal substances. He sought help for his problem with drugs.
Similar Words
Synonyms: narcotics, illegal substances, controlled substances
Etymology
Plural form of 'drug'. Its specific meaning of 'illegal substances' became common in the 20th century.
Memory Tips
While 'a drug' can be medicine, the plural form 'drugs' almost always refers to illegal substances in everyday talk.