noun
upper
A drug that increases alertness or energy.
The doctor asks whether he takes uppers to stay awake.
Etymology
Upper is formed from up as a name for something that raises activity. Drug slang uses it for a stimulant increasing alertness or energy.
More examples
- She calls the pills uppers because they keep her alert.
- Taking an upper late at night can interfere with sleep.
- Unlike a downer, an upper stimulates the nervous system.
Forms
upper · uppers
Similar words
- stimulant
- A neutral, broader term, also covering substances like caffeine.
- amphetamine
- Names a specific stimulant drug, not every kind of upper.