gateway drug

/ˌgeɪtˈweɪ drəg/
/ˈgeɪtweɪ drəg/
IPA guide

Definitions of gateway drug
  1. noun
    a habit-forming drug that is not addictive but its use may lead to the use of other addictive drugs
    see moresee less
    type of:
    drug of abuse, street drug
    a drug that is taken for nonmedicinal reasons (usually for mind-altering effects); drug abuse can lead to physical and mental damage and (with some substances) dependence and addiction
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