psychoactive

adjective

psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs

Examples of psychoactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Home cultivation is becoming a form of wellness that delivers so much more than a psychoactive effect. Benjamin Adams, Forbes.com, 11 Apr. 2025 In ancient China, it was utilized for its fibers, medicinal properties, and psychoactive effects. Matt Rozo, Mercury News, 10 Apr. 2025 The data analyzed treatment for mental health conditions including psychoactive substance use disorders, psychotic disorders, mood-affective disorders, depression, and anxiety. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Apr. 2025 The legislation, if passed by a majority of voters in an upcoming election, would allow only the Legislature to legalize certain drugs, including marijuana, narcotics and other psychoactive substances. Carolyn Komatsoulis, Idaho Statesman, 5 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for psychoactive

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychoactive was in 1959

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Cite this Entry

“Psychoactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychoactive. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

psychoactive

adjective
psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs

Medical Definition

psychoactive

adjective
psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv How to pronounce psychoactive (audio)
: affecting the mind or behavior
psychoactive drugs
THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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