: 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

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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 Currently, cannabis is a Schedule I drug, under the Controlled Substance Act, alongside drugs such as heroin and LSD. Andrea Kane, CNN, 30 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for LSD 

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of LSD was in 1950

Dictionary Entries Near LSD

Cite this Entry

“LSD.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/LSD. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

: 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

: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on LSD

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