HEROIN: The English word "
heroin," a powerful opioid drug, is from the German word
Heroin, a brand name that was trademarked by Friedrich Bayer & Co. in 1898. The drug was given this name because of the euphoric feeling that it can give its users, making them feel like "heroes," strong, invincible, etc.
HEROINE: The English word "heroine" refers to a female hero.
So, the word "heroin" and the word "heroine" are related, both ultimately being derived from the Greek word "hero," and they share the same pronunciation — but the two words mean very different things!
