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 Typically, mushrooms contain 1 percent of these psychoactive compounds, although species like Psilocybe azurescens are generally stronger, and some varieties within the Panaeolus genus are even more potent. Mattha Busby, WIRED, 10 Oct. 2024 An investigation by The Times in August also found that 40% of magic mushroom products sold at smoke shops don’t even contain psilocybin — the main psychoactive compound in psychedelic mushrooms. Michelle Lhooq, Los Angeles Times, 3 Oct. 2024 Some research suggests psilocybin, a psychoactive compound in magic mushrooms, eases depression by rewiring the brain, altering its landscape to disrupt toxic thought patterns. Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 2 Oct. 2024 More than a quarter of Michigan residents age 50 or older have used cannabis products containing the psychoactive component THC at least once in the past year, according to a new University of Michigan poll released Thursday. Adrienne Roberts, Detroit Free Press, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for psychoactive 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'psychoactive.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of psychoactive was in 1959

Dictionary Entries Near psychoactive

Cite this Entry

“Psychoactive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/psychoactive. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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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