chlorpromazine

noun

chlor·​prom·​a·​zine klȯr-ˈprä-mə-ˌzēn How to pronounce chlorpromazine (audio)
: a phenothiazine C17H19ClN2S used chiefly as a tranquilizer especially in the form of its hydrochloride to control the symptoms of psychotic disorders (such as schizophrenia)

Examples of chlorpromazine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The first antipsychotic medication, chlorpromazine, became available 70 years ago, and was followed by two waves of new treatments designed to alter dopamine pathways in the brain. — Ellen Barry, New York Times, 26 Feb. 2025 The antipsychotic drug chlorpromazine, derived from a clothing dye called methylene blue, was first tested on agitated and delusional patients in 1952. — Literary Hub, 28 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, new pharmaceuticals like chlorpromazine (also known as Thorazine) burst onto the scene, holding the promise to treat people with mental afflictions without the need for around-the-clock supervision. — Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 16 Apr. 2024 Drugs that may cause a problem include barbiturates, benzodiazepines, chlorpromazine, reserpine, and tricyclic antidepressants. — Katie Wiseman, The Indianapolis Star, 19 Jan. 2024 See All Example Sentences for chlorpromazine

Word History

Etymology

chlor- + propyl + methyl + azine

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of chlorpromazine was in 1952

Rhymes for chlorpromazine

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Browse Nearby Words

chlorpicrin
chlorpromazine
chlorpropamide
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Chlorpromazine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chlorpromazine. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

chlorpromazine

noun
chlor·​prom·​a·​zine klōr-ˈpräm-ə-ˌzēn, klȯr- How to pronounce chlorpromazine (audio)
: a phenothiazine derivative that has antipsychotic, sedative, and antiemetic properties and is used in the form of its hydrochloride C17H19ClN2S·HCl especially to manage the symptoms of psychotic disorders (as schizophrenia) see largactil, thorazine

More from Merriam-Webster on chlorpromazine

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about chlorpromazine

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