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.

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noun

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

antipsychotic British  

/ ˌæntɪsaɪˈkɒtɪk /

adjective

1. preventing or treating psychosis

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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

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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

Defence counsel Ian Duguid KC said Manners was currently getting antipsychotic medication and told the court: "Whatever personality disorder he is afflicted with it is not one that affects his responsibility for the crime."

From BBC ● Jul. 17, 2026

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

From Science Daily ● Mar. 8, 2026

UnitedHealth and rival insurer Humana’s CenterWell pharmacy both sent early refills of some psychiatric drugs like Seroquel, an antipsychotic, at higher rates than many other drugs.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 27, 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

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