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

For a year or two, Moby Grape looked poised to become one of the biggest bands of the Sixties, but the group was derailed by Spence’s overuse of LSD and subsequent breakdown. —Simon Vozick-Levinson, Rolling Stone, 22 July 2024

As the house band at the Acid Tests, Ken Kesey and the Merry Pranksters’ LSD happenings, in the mid-sixties, the Dead would play coherent songs or incoherent noise, or nothing at all, while the light shows and other sonic and psychedelic craziness prevailed. —Nick Paumgarten, The New Yorker, 22 July 2024

The band's success was cut short in part due to Spence overusing LSD and experiencing a breakdown. —Ilana Kaplan, Peoplemag, 22 July 2024

Forgive me, but your ask sounds a bit like a query once posed by a college classmate of mine whose LSD dose was perhaps more potent than anticipated. —Steven Levy, WIRED, 12 July 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