how to say “drugs” in Hebrew

 

סַמִּים

 

 
The Modern-Hebrew word for drugs is סַמִּים  listen and repeat, while one drug is סַם  listen and repeat. These refer to street drugs only – the word for medicine is תְּרוּפָה  listen and repeat.
 
For example:
 
סַמִּים בְּדֶרֶךְ כְּלָל מְמַכְּרִים.
(Street) drugs are usually addictive.
 
The word has been used by Hebrew speakers and writers since Biblical times, but then it referred to fragrant spices. In Mishnaic Hebrew the word began to mean a substance that influences human thought and behavior – סַם הַמָּוֶת  listen and repeat – drug of death, and סַם הַחַיִּים  listen and repeat elixir or drug of life.

Similar Posts