antidepressant

[ an-tee-di-pres-uh nt, an-tahy- ]
/ ˌæn ti dɪˈprɛs ənt, ˌæn taɪ- /
Pharmacology

adjective

of or relating to a substance that is used in the treatment of mood disorders, as characterized by various manic or depressive affects.

noun

Also called energizer, psychic energizer. any such substance, as a tricyclic antidepressant, MAO inhibitor, or lithium.
Also an·ti-de·pres·sant, an·ti·de·pres·sive [an-tee-di-pres-iv, an-tahy-] /ˌæn ti dɪˈprɛs ɪv, ˌæn taɪ-/.

Origin of antidepressant

First recorded in 1960–65; anti- + depressant

Example sentences from the Web for antidepressants

British Dictionary definitions for antidepressants

antidepressant
/ (ˌæntɪdɪˈprɛsənt) /

noun

any of a class of drugs used to alleviate depression

adjective

of or relating to this class of drugs

Medical definitions for antidepressants

antidepressant
[ ăn′tē-dĭ-prĕsənt, ăn′tī- ]

n.

A drug used to prevent or treat depression.

Other words from antidepressant

an′ti•de•pressant null adj.

Scientific definitions for antidepressants

antidepressant
[ ăn′tē-dĭ-prĕsənt, ăn′tī- ]

A drug used to prevent or treat depression.

Cultural definitions for antidepressants

antidepressants

Drugs that prevent or relieve the symptoms of depression. Various psychological disorders are treated with antidepressants.

notes for antidepressants

Although there are many antidepressant drugs now in use, the best known is Prozac®.