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

Cohen teed up the confession by mentioning that Diplo, who was calling in from Los Angeles ahead of a performance at Insomniac’s Forever Midnight, previously claimed to have run the 2023 L.A. Marathon while high on LSD. —Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 1 Jan. 2025

The records also delve into the mysterious 1953 death of Frank Olson, a scientist covertly dosed with LSD who died 10 days later in a fall from a New York hotel. —Andy Biggs, Newsweek, 24 Dec. 2024

Trips last a few hours, unlike the full-day trip provided by LSD. —Celia Ford, Vox, 4 Nov. 2024

There, Craig and Starkey’s characters take ayahuasca and engage in a choreographed body-entwining dance that’s like ballet on LSD. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 11 Dec. 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