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 prescription drugs Vicodin, Dilaudid, Xanax, Ambien were found in his system after that arrest, as was THC, the psychoactive chemical in marijuana. Dan Mangan, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026 The structures were built to grow industrial hemp, a fast-growing plant similar to cannabis but with a negligible level of the psychoactive compound THC. Phil Diehl, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 This is because the two major ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, have major psychoactive effects. Josh Kelly, Oklahoman, 26 Mar. 2026 The finding could shed light on how the psychoactive substance affects the animals’ behavior. K. R. Callaway, Scientific American, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for psychoactive

Word History

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychoactive was in 1958

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Cite this Entry

“Psychoactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychoactive. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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
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