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

One method used to manipulate subjects was administering high doses of psychoactive drugs, including LSD, without consent. —William Lambers, Newsweek, 7 Mar. 2025

Still, many believe that Manson was only able to so quickly build such a devoted following because of the use of LSD. —Jake Kring-Schreifels, TIME, 7 Mar. 2025

In addition to alcohol, the brief said James as a child used drugs such as marijuana, PCP, cocaine, speed and LSD. —Jim Saunders, Orlando Sentinel, 7 Mar. 2025

The use of hallucinogenic drugs such as ketamine, psilocybin and LSD has increased rapidly over the past few decades. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 3 Mar. 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