Psychoactive: meaning, definitions and examples

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psychoactive

 

[ ˌsaɪ.koʊˈæktɪv ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

substance

Able to alter mood, behavior, cognition, or perception by crossing the blood-brain barrier and affecting the central nervous system. Psychoactive substances can produce effects ranging from mild relaxation to intense euphoria or hallucinations.

Synonyms

intoxicating, mind-altering, psychedelic

Examples of usage

  • Psychoactive drugs such as cannabis, LSD, and ecstasy are widely used for recreational purposes.
  • The use of psychoactive substances should be regulated to prevent abuse and addiction.
Context #2 | Noun

substance

A chemical substance that can alter brain function and result in changes in perception, mood, consciousness, cognition, or behavior. These substances may be legal or illegal and are often used for recreational or medicinal purposes.

Synonyms

hallucinogenic, narcotic, psychotropic

Examples of usage

  • The classification of a substance as psychoactive depends on its impact on the brain and nervous system.
  • Researchers are studying the effects of various psychoactive compounds on mental health.

Translations

Translations of the word "psychoactive" in other languages:

🇵🇹 psicoativo

🇮🇳 मनोसक्रिय

🇩🇪 psychoaktiv

🇮🇩 psikoaktif

🇺🇦 психоактивний

🇵🇱 psychoaktywny

🇯🇵 精神作用のある

🇫🇷 psychoactif

🇪🇸 psicoactivo

🇹🇷 psikoaktif

🇰🇷 정신작용의

🇸🇦 مؤثر نفسياً

🇨🇿 psychoaktivní

🇸🇰 psychoaktívny

🇨🇳 精神活性的

🇸🇮 psihoaktiven

🇮🇸 geðvirk

🇰🇿 психоактивті

🇬🇪 ფსიქოაქტიური

🇦🇿 psixoaktiv

🇲🇽 psicoactivo

Word origin

The term 'psychoactive' originates from the combination of 'psycho-' meaning mind or mental, and 'active' meaning engaging or participating. The concept of psychoactive substances has been present throughout human history, with various cultures using plants and chemicals for their mind-altering effects. Modern research and understanding of psychoactive compounds have led to advancements in medicine, psychology, and neuroscience.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,681, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.