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

Even Rolex’s releases looked like a celebration of the Swiss discovering the psychedelic effects of LSD, which, in fact, had occurred just outside Basel 80 years prior, almost to the day. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 19 Sep. 2024

This contrast is significant considering his role in creating the federal drug classification system that placed marijuana in the most restrictive category, Schedule I, alongside heroin and LSD. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 18 Sep. 2024

Intriguingly, psychedelic drugs such as LSD and psilocybin mushrooms have recently been found to rapidly increase plasticity and may act by restoring the plasticity associated with critical periods. —Maia Szalavitz, Scientific American, 17 Sep. 2024

And, although MindMed is testing how a single dose of LSD affects anxiety when given without therapy, monitors still have to sit in the treatment room during a trip that can last hours. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 12 Aug. 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