antipsychotic

noun

an·​ti·​psy·​chot·​ic ˌan-tē-sī-ˈkä-tik How to pronounce antipsychotic (audio)
ˌan-tī-
: any of the powerful tranquilizers (such as the phenothiazines and butyrophenones) used especially to treat psychosis and believed to act by blocking dopamine nervous receptors

called also neuroleptic

antipsychotic adjective

Examples of antipsychotic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Drugs such as Lamictal and lithium, along with anticonvulsants and antipsychotics, can help control manic and depressive episodes, quiet racing thoughts and sleep problems, and curb risky behavior. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 29 Aug. 2026 Antidepressant medications like zuranolone and SSRIs are first-line options for PPD, while Bergink says lithium, antipsychotics and electroconvulsive therapy are effective for PPP. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 28 Aug. 2026 Treatment includes medications such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026 It can be treated with antipsychotics and electroconvulsive therapy, which runs an electric current through the brain. — Louisa Moller, CBS News, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for antipsychotic

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of antipsychotic was in 1958

Rhymes for antipsychotic

See All Rhymes for antipsychotic

Browse Nearby Words

antipruritic
antipsychotic
antipyretic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Antipsychotic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/antipsychotic. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

antipsychotic

1 of 2 adjective
an·​ti·​psy·​chot·​ic ˌant-i-sī-ˈkät-ik, ˌan-ˌtī- How to pronounce antipsychotic (audio)
: of, being, or involving the use of an antipsychotic
antipsychotic drugs

antipsychotic

2 of 2 noun
: any of the powerful tranquilizers (as the phenothiazines or butyrophenones) used especially to treat psychosis and believed to act by blocking dopamine nervous receptors

called also neuroleptic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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