neuroleptic

American  

[noor-uh-lep-tik, nyoor-] / ˌnʊər əˈlɛp tɪk, ˌnyʊər- /

noun

1. antipsychotic.

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neuroleptic British  

/ ˌnjʊərəʊˈlɛptɪk /

adjective

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

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noun

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

Etymology

Origin of neuroleptic

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

Example Sentences

One case in point: In 2003, Sato published a study on data from 40 patients with a very rare affliction named neuroleptic malignant syndrome, collected over 3 years.

From Science Magazine • Aug. 17, 2018

The antipsychotics typically prescribed to kids like Jonah as a first-line treatment for dangerous behaviors come with truly scary and sometimes permanent side effects, including dystonia, tardive dyskinesia, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2014

Study the data, and it becomes clear why an estimated 100,000 Americans receive ECT every year to treat incapacitating conditions such as severe mood disorders, schizophrenia, catatonia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and Parkinson’s disease.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2014

"You've got to do something," McGorry says, meaning consider adding a neuroleptic drug to the treatment mix.

From Time Magazine Archive