antipsychotic

American  

[an-tee-sahy-kot-ik, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti saɪˈkɒt ɪk, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. of or relating to any of various substances used in the treatment of psychosis, especially schizophrenia, and acute or severe states of mania, depression, or paranoia.

---

noun

1. Also called neuroleptic.  Also called major tranquilizer.  any such substance, as the phenothiazines.

antipsychotic British  

/ ˌæntɪsaɪˈkɒtɪk /

adjective

1. preventing or treating psychosis

---

noun

1. any antipsychotic drug, such as chlorpromazine: used to treat such conditions as schizophrenia

Etymology

Origin of antipsychotic

First recorded in 1950–55; anti- + psychotic

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

antipsychotic

In that case, Judge Keith Ellison defined “heat-sensitive” broadly, covering people taking antipsychotic, anticholinergic, or diuretic drugs, along with anyone diagnosed with psychiatric conditions, obesity, diabetes, or hypertension, among other things.

From Slate ● Jul. 31, 2026

The elder Garson’s initial delusions resolved, but later returned and were treated with antipsychotic medications.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 28, 2026

“Medical directors failed to prevent inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs,” and “nursing home pharmacists failed to identify medical concerns and did not recommend dose reductions.”

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 7, 2026

Risperidone is a powerful antipsychotic often prescribed to dementia patients who experience severe agitation or aggressive behavior.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 8, 2026

An assortment of antipsychotic medicines was prescribed, and he improved gradually—but never enough, apparently, to merit discharge.

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee