opium
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opium
A strong intoxicant and narcotic obtained from the dried latex of the opium poppy. It is the raw material used to produce morphine and heroin.
Im 19. Jahrhundert war der Handel mit Opium eine wichtige Einnahmequelle für das Britische Empire.
In the 19th century, the opium trade was an important source of income for the British Empire.
opium
In a figurative sense, something that clouds perception, prevents critical thinking, and distracts people from the real problems. Known from the saying 'Religion ist das Opium des Volkes' (religion is the opium of the people).
Manche Kritiker bezeichnen den übermäßigen Konsum von Unterhaltungsmedien als das neue Opium für die Massen.
Some critics describe the excessive consumption of entertainment media as the new opium for the masses.
'Opium' is the name of a substance, similar to 'Wasser' (water) or 'Gold' (gold). It is therefore usually used as an uncountable noun and has no plural form.
Der Schmuggel von Opium wurde streng bestraft.
The smuggling of opium was severely punished.
In its literal meaning as a drug, 'Opium' is often used with verbs like 'rauchen' (to smoke) and 'konsumieren' (to consume), or in the context of 'Anbau' (cultivation) and 'Handel' (trade).
Aus Opium werden starke Schmerzmittel hergestellt.
Strong painkillers are made from opium.
The figurative meaning comes from Karl Marx's famous quote: 'Religion ist das Opium des Volkes' (religion is the opium of the people). The expression is used to criticize something that distracts people from real problems.
Der Philosoph nannte das unreflektierte Fernsehen „das Opium der Neuzeit“.
The philosopher called unreflective television 'the opium of the modern age.'
In the figurative meaning, 'Opium' often appears in a genitive construction or with the preposition 'für' (for). Typical phrases are 'das Opium des Volkes' (the opium of the people) or 'Opium für die Massen' (opium for the masses).
Manche sehen in sozialen Medien das neue Opium für die Jugend.
Some see social media as the new opium for young people.
