sertraline

noun

ser·​tra·​line ˈsər-trə-ˌlēn How to pronounce sertraline (audio)
: an antidepressant drug C17H17NCl2 administered in the form of its hydrochloride and acting to enhance serotonin activity

Examples of sertraline in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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During their first appointment in September 2022, Tufts initially prescribed Clancy sertraline – commonly known by its brand name, Zoloft. — Melina Khan, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2026 Treatment Maternal anxiety is treated with cognitive behavioral therapy, support groups and medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, including sertraline and escitalopram. — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026 Antidepressants like sertraline also come with a warning to avoid the fruit. — Kelly McGreal, FOXNews.com, 19 July 2026 According to the announcement, spotted by The Verge, the chatbot will only prescribe medications that are considered lower risk, for example SSRIs like sertraline (Zoloft) for depression rather than habit-forming drugs like benzodiazepines or some ADHD drugs like Adderall. — Will McCurdy, PC Magazine, 4 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sertraline

Word History

Etymology

perhaps from serotonin + tetrahydro (combined with four atoms of hydrogen) + naphthalene + amine

First Known Use

1983, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sertraline was in 1983

Rhymes for sertraline

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Browse Nearby Words

Sertorius
sertraline
Sertularia
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Cite this Entry

“Sertraline.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sertraline. Accessed 21 Aug. 2026.

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Medical Definition

sertraline

noun
ser·​tra·​line ˈsər-trə-ˌlēn How to pronounce sertraline (audio)
: a drug that functions as an SSRI and is administered orally in the form of its hydrochloride C17H17NCl2·HCl especially to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder

Note: Sertraline is marketed under the trademark Zoloft.

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