hallucinogen

noun

hal·​lu·​ci·​no·​gen hə-ˈlü-sə-nə-jən 

: a substance that induces hallucinations

hallucinogenic

hə-ˌlü-sə-nə-ˈje-nik 

adjective or noun

Examples of hallucinogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office attributed his death to an accidental overdose of ketamine, a hallucinogen long known as a party drug that has grown in popularity in recent years as an off-label treatment for depression. —Tim Stelloh, NBC news, 18 Aug. 2025

In fact, a 2018 study in Frontiers in Psychology found that people who were administered this hallucinogen reported experiences that were uncannily similar to that of a near-death experience: vivid imagery, feelings of transcendence, timelessness and unparalleled emotional insight. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025

Once, Diddy asked Paul to test some 2-C, which is a hallucinogen. —Victoria Bekiempis, Vulture, 21 June 2025

And if that takes a hallucinogen or three, so be it. —Randall Colburn, EW.com, 21 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

hallucination + -o- + -gen

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

hallucinogen

noun

hal·​lu·​ci·​no·​gen hə-ˈlü-sə-nə-jən 

: a drug that causes hallucinations

hallucinogenic

-ˌlü-sə-nə-ˈjen-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

hallucinogen

noun

hal·​lu·​ci·​no·​gen hə-ˈlüs-ᵊn-ə-jən 

: a substance and especially a drug that induces hallucinations