What does "neuroleptic" mean?
An antipsychotic drug.
Neuroleptic
adj, noun
adj, noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An antipsychotic drug.
- Grammar: neuroleptic is listed as adj, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: antipsychotic, antipsychotic, antipsychotic agent, antipsychotic drug.
- Usage evidence: The time has come, therefore, to establish some definite criteria for the new drugs that Delay called neuroleptics, of which chlorpromazine and reserpine are the primary ones, although chemically different.
How to use "neuroleptic"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "neuroleptic" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "neuroleptic" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "neuroleptic" is acting as adj, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "antipsychotic" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An antipsychotic drug.
"The time has come, therefore, to establish some definite criteria for the new drugs that Delay called neuroleptics, of which chlorpromazine and reserpine are the primary ones, although chemically different."
- 2 tranquilizer used to treat psychotic conditions when a calming effect is desired wordnet
Adjective
- 1 Having antipsychotic properties. not-comparable
"By mouth in doses of 2 to 3 grains, combined with neuroleptic drugs, it has enabled us to bring about a certain number of improvements in chronic schizophrenics."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
"The time has come, therefore, to establish some definite criteria for the new drugs that Delay called neuroleptics, of which chlorpromazine and reserpine are the primary ones, although chemically different."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "neuroleptic"?
Common synonyms include: antipsychotic, antipsychotic, antipsychotic agent, antipsychotic drug, haldol, loxapine.
How do you use "neuroleptic" in a sentence?
The time has come, therefore, to establish some definite criteria for the new drugs that Delay called neuroleptics, of which chlorpromazine and reserpine are the primary ones, although chemically different.
Etymology
Borrowed from French neuroleptique, coined by Jean Delay and Pierre Deniker in 1955. Constructed from Ancient Greek νεῦρον (neûron, “neuron”) and λῆψις (lêpsis), noun form of λαμβάνω (lambánō, “take hold of”).