LSD

noun

ˌel-(ˌ)es-ˈdē 

: a semisynthetic illicit organic compound C₂₀H₂₅N₃O derived from ergot that induces extreme sensory distortions, altered perceptions of reality, and intense emotional states, that may also produce delusions or paranoia, and that may sometimes cause panic reactions in response to the effects experienced

called also lysergic acid diethylamide

Examples of LSD in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since the 1960s and ’70s, when mushrooms and LSD were considered inseparable from the anti-war movement and hippie culture, psychedelic drugs have been culturally associated with the American left. —Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 1 Nov. 2024

Related article Unforgettable photos of psychedelia and debauchery from the golden age of LSD In small clinical trials, synthetic versions of the psychedelic have shown benefits in tackling cluster headaches, anxiety, anorexia, obsessive-compulsive disorder and various forms of substance abuse. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 22 Oct. 2024

In 2022, scientists made a trip-free analogue of LSD to research as an antidepressant. —Shayla Love, The Atlantic, 20 Oct. 2024

The system also features vehicle stability control (VSC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). —James Raia, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German, from Lysergsäure-Diäthylamid "lysergic acid diethylamide"

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

LSD

noun

ˌel-ˌes-ˈdē 

: an illegal drug that causes abnormal sensations, extreme and changeable states of emotion, unnatural changes in the way time and space are experienced, and hallucinations and that may sometimes cause panic in response to the effects experienced

Medical Definition

LSD

noun

ˌel-ˌes-ˈdē 

: a semisynthetic illicit organic compound C₂₀H₂₅N₃O derived from ergot that induces extreme sensory distortions, altered perceptions of reality, and intense emotional states, that may also produce delusions or paranoia, and that may sometimes cause panic reactions in response to the effects experienced

called also acid, lysergic acid diethylamide, lysergide