I. ˈōpēə̇t, -ēˌāt, usu -d.+V adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin opiatus, from Latin opium + -atus -ate
1. : containing or mixed or impregnated with opium
2.
a. : inducing sleep : somniferous , narcotic
b. : causing rest, dullness, or inaction
II. noun
( -s )
1. : a medicine containing or derived from opium and tending to induce sleep and to alleviate pain
2. : a synthetic drug capable of producing or sustaining addiction similar to that characteristic of morphine and cocaine : narcotic — used especially in modern law
3. : something that induces rest or inaction or quiets uneasiness
price fixing is a most dangerous opiate — T.W.Arnold
III. -ēˌāt, usu -ād.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: opi um + -ate, vb. suffix
1.
a. : to subject to the influence of an opiate : put to sleep
b. : to diminish the force, intensity, or sensitiveness of : deaden
2. : to impregnate or mix with opium