antidepressant

American  

[an-tee-di-pres-uhnt, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti dɪˈprɛs ənt, ˌæn taɪ- /

Also anti-depressant,

adjective

1. of or relating to a substance that is used in the treatment of mood disorders, as characterized by various manic or depressive affects.

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noun

1. Also called energizer, psychic energizer.  any such substance, as a tricyclic antidepressant, MAO inhibitor, or lithium.

antidepressant British  

/ ˌæntɪdɪˈprɛsənt /

noun

1. any of a class of drugs used to alleviate depression

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adjective

1. of or relating to this class of drugs

antidepressant Scientific  

/ ăn′tē-dĭ-prĕs′ənt,ăn′tī- /

1. A drug used to prevent or treat depression.

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Etymology

Origin of antidepressant

First recorded in 1960–65; anti- + depressant

Explanation

An antidepressant is a drug used to treat depression. Unfortunately, many antidepressants have unwanted side effects. Depression is a form of extreme sadness, when you're so sad that it impairs your ability to function. Words starting with anti are the opposite or go against other things. Antidepressants, then, are drugs that fight depression. If you’re depressed, a doctor can prescribe an antidepressant such as Prozac or Zoloft. Antidepressants can improve your mood, but they often have side effects such as weight gain or headaches.

Example Sentences

On the surface level, it sounds nice to tell people that it’s better to try talk therapy and regular exercise than an antidepressant.

From Salon • May 18, 2026

Clinicians call this the “prescribing cascade”: An antidepressant causes insomnia, so a sleep aid is added; a stimulant causes irritability, so a mood stabilizer follows.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2026

Lara Tang, from Portishead near Bristol, was prescribed antidepressant fluoxetine by her GP for depression and anxiety when she was 16.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

Quetiapine is a prescription antipsychotic medication and mirtazapine is a prescription antidepressant.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Dill finally had health insurance and was able to see a real therapist and get on a good antidepressant medication.

From "The Serpent King" by Jeff Zentner