neuroleptic

[ noor-uh-lep-tik, nyoor- ]

noun

1. antipsychotic.

neuroleptic

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈlɛptɪk /

adjective

1. capable of affecting the brain, esp by reducing the intensity of nerve function; tranquillizing

noun

1. a neuroleptic drug; major tranquillizer, used in the treatment of psychoses

Word History and Origins

Origin of neuroleptic¹

1955–60; < French neuroleptique, equivalent to neuro- neuro- + -leptique < Greek lēptikós disposed to take, equivalent to lēp- (verbid stem of lambánein to seize) + -tikos -tic; -lepsy