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

Yep, it’s lumped in with heavy hitters like heroin and LSD. —Matt Rozo, The Mercury News, 24 Feb. 2025

According to O’Neill, Jolly West, a CIA operative and brainwashing expert, used the clinic to recruit subjects for studies on LSD in youth. —Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 21 Feb. 2025

The lack of Blues Brothers co-creator Aykroyd meant no Jimmy Carter talking down a guy peaking on LSD. —Ted Johnson, Deadline, 16 Feb. 2025

Author Tom Robbins, whose novels read like a hit of literary LSD, filled with fantastical characters, manic metaphors and counterculture whimsy, died Sunday. —Reuters, NBC News, 10 Feb. 2025

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