Definition of dope

The word "dope" has a complex and changing origin. Initially, it referred to a type of medicinal preparation made from morphine or opium, used to treat coughs and other ailments. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, "dope" came to mean a medicine or an anesthetic. In the 1920s, the term "dope" took on a new meaning in the context of aviation, referring to a type of fuel that was used to power early aircraft. Later, it was used to describe a substance that was used to make planes go faster or more stable. From there, the term "dope" spread to other contexts, including sports, music, and popular culture, where it came to mean something that is impressive, cool, or of high quality. Today, the term "dope" is often used as a slang expression to express admiration or approval.