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

Ring’s command tours have included the USS Nimitz (CVN 68), USS Comstock (LSD 45) and the Black Eagles of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW 113). —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2025

Albert Hofmann, the Swiss chemist who discovered LSD, in 1938, suspected that the recipe included ergot, the fungus on which his discovery was based. —Michael Pollan, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

Here's Where to Get Last-Minute Spring Tour Tickets Online Inside the Long, Strange Trip of the World’s Best LSD Granted, Phish aren’t a singles band. —Will Hermes, Rolling Stone, 28 Apr. 2025

Horrific ethical violations aside, the experience was an overall pleasant one, and by the end of that year, all of the Beatles had experimented with LSD. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 26 Apr. 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