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.
That’s the compound delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the major active ingredient in cannabis thought to be responsible for the psychoactive effects of use. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2025 Psychedelics, broadly defined, are a class of psychoactive substances that alter perception, cognition and mood through their interaction with neurotransmitters such as serotonin. Pardis Mahdavi, The Conversation, 27 Aug. 2025 The recall raised questions about the accuracy of marijuana product labels, with the CRA also arguing that Viridis was inflating THC (the psychoactive component of the marijuana plant) levels. Adrienne Roberts, Freep.com, 20 Aug. 2025 In the teeth of the same woman, the researchers discovered signals from another psychoactive compound, arecaidine, which arecoline is converted into with the addition of lime. Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 19 Aug. 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 10 Sep. 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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