gateway drug
noun
any mood-altering drug, as a stimulant or tranquilizer, that does not cause physical dependence but may lead to the use of addictive drugs, as heroin.
Origin of gateway drug
First recorded in 1985–90
Words nearby gateway drug
gater,
gates,
gates, bill,
gateshead,
gateway,
gateway drug,
gath,
gatha,
gather,
gather ye rosebuds while ye may,
gathering
British Dictionary definitions for gateway drug
gateway drug
noun
a recreational drug such as cannabis, the use of which is believed by some to encourage the user to try stronger drugs