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

Many homes “inappropriately diagnosed residents with schizophrenia to mask the nursing homes’ misuse of antipsychotic drugs and to artificially inflate their star ratings,” it adds.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 7, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

Patients can be supported and treated with a mix of antipsychotic medications, talking therapies and family support.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

A new psychiatrist told Stacks he was overmedicated on guanfacine and put him on Abilify, an antipsychotic, which seemed to lessen his defiance.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 20, 2025

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

From "The Gene" by Siddhartha Mukherjee