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.
The Czech Republic has also legalized the medical use of psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms, for the treatment of conditions such as depression. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes.com, 18 July 2025 Hemp is a type of cannabis plant with low levels of the psychoactive compound that gets people high, known as delta-9 THC. Sophia Tiedge, jsonline.com, 15 July 2025 The Texas governor just vetoed a bill that would ban all products containing the psychoactive ingredient. Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 29 June 2025 The ordinance addresses Delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which the U.S. Department of Agriculture states is a psychoactive substance typically manufactured from the cannabis plant. Alan Kozeluh, Chicago Tribune, 26 June 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 25 Jul. 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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