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.
Though rarely deadly, this species contains the psychoactive compounds ibotenic acid and muscimol. Matt Kasson, Popular Science, 15 Oct. 2025 What remains to be seen is whether or not evidence of the psychoactive substance can be found in the pottery that might have been used in this ritual. Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 12 Oct. 2025 Subsequent testing confirmed the presence of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025 The research that is now available shows that cannabinoid receptors are present in the fetus as early as 5 weeks, and the main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, can cross the placenta and transfer into breast milk – and that exposure is associated with risks of adverse outcomes. Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 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 19 Oct. 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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