psychoactive

adjective

psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv 

: affecting the mind or behavior

psychoactive drugs

Examples of psychoactive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Analysis revealed that the hair tested positive for THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, as well as cannabinol, a chemical compound produced when THC is exposed to air. — Jack Guy, CNN Money, 5 Nov. 2026

More than 66% rejected a proposal that would have given all power to legalize psychoactive drugs to the legislature. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 5 Nov. 2026

As they were prepared, the children were given an array of psychoactive plants. — Adam Kovac, Scientific American, 3 Nov. 2026

The Incas’ use of psychoactive substances has been well documented over the years, but previous analysis of the mummies only showed the presence of coca leaves at most, according to a press release from the academic journal Antiquity. — Adam England, PEOPLE, 3 Nov. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing psychoactive

• non-psychoactive

Rhymes for psychoactive

• attractive
• contractive
• extractive
• inactive
• proactive
• reactive
• refractive
• subtractive
• active
• tractive
• bioactive
• hyperactive

Kids Definition

psychoactive

adjective

psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv 

: affecting the mind or behavior

psychoactive drugs

Medical Definition

psychoactive

adjective

psy·​cho·​ac·​tive ˌsī-kō-ˈak-tiv 

: affecting the mind or behavior

psychoactive drugs

THC is the principal psychoactive ingredient in marijuana