antidepressant

1 of 2

adjective

an·​ti·​de·​pres·​sant ˌan-tē-di-ˈpre-sᵊnt  ˌan-ˌtī- 

: used or tending to relieve or prevent depression

antidepressant drugs

antidepressant

2 of 2

noun

: an antidepressant drug see ssri, tricyclic antidepressant

Examples of antidepressant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Major studies show that meditation can alleviate anxiety and depression—at least about as well as the antidepressant Lexapro can, but without the cost and with fewer side effects. — Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 4 Sep. 2026

During the trial, Reddington’s questioning focused on her various antipsychotic and antidepressant prescriptions given to her by different providers and possible side effects. — Selena Barrientos, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Noun

People with thyroid disease, kidney, liver or heart problems, or those taking NSAIDs, opiate pain medications or certain antidepressants can actually take in too much water. — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 8 Sep. 2026

Wearing contacts can also cause dry eyes, as can many common medications, such as blood pressure drugs and antidepressants. — Maria Godoy, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1961, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1962, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing antidepressant

• tricyclic antidepressant

Rhymes for antidepressant

• preadolescent
• acquiescent
• adolescent
• arborescent
• coalescent
• convalescent
• deliquescent
• effervescent
• evanescent
• incandescent
• iridescent
• luminescent

Medical Definition

antidepressant

1 of 2 adjective

an·​ti·​de·​pres·​sant ˌant-i-di-ˈpres-ᵊnt, ˌan-ˌtī- 

variants also antidepressive

-ˈpres-iv 

: used or tending to relieve or prevent psychological depression : relating to, being, or utilizing an antidepressant

an antidepressant drug

antidepressant treatment

antidepressant

2 of 2 noun

variants also antidepressive

: a drug used to treat psychological depression : an antidepressant drug

The dual-action antidepressant venlafaxine appears to demonstrate superior efficacy and higher rates of remission in severe depression as compared with either SSRIs such as fluoxetine or tricyclic antidepressants.

—John Mann, The New England Journal of Medicine

called also energizer, psychic energizer, psychostimulant

see tricyclic antidepressant