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

The researchers injected mice with varying doses of CP55940, a synthetic cannabinoid that mimics the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol, or TCH, the main psychoactive compound in weed. — Cody Cottier, Scientific American, 7 Oct. 2026

But in higher doses, kratom acts as a narcotic, because two psychoactive compounds— mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—bind to the same receptors as opioids. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026

At the time of the blood test, Perez also had in his system THC, the primary psychoactive compound in marijuana, according to the DA’s Office. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026

By soaking betel nuts in artificial saliva, the authors concluded that this would release enough arecoline to alter brain function, although the psychoactive effects would be milder. — ArsTechnica, 2 Oct. 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