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.  Also called 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

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 20, 2026

In England an antipsychotic prescribing report is published each quarter, meaning health organisations there can share information about the impact of the medication and who in the community requires follow-up appointments.

From BBC • Dec. 10, 2025

The company made one of its largest acquisitions in 2023 when it spent $14 billion to buy Karuna Therapeutics, which discovered the antipsychotic.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 3, 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