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 2024 edition of an annual long-term study that collects national data on substance use among Americans ages 19-65 shows that 35-50 year-olds are using hallucinogens more than ever before. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 5 Aug. 2026

Today, everyone from the Economist to the New York Times has heralded the coming psychedelics renaissance, as hallucinogens begin to gain greater cultural, medical and commercial acceptability. — Literary Hub, 29 July 2026

By comparison, just 3% used hallucinogens and 2% misused prescription opioids. — Theresa Gaffney, STAT, 28 July 2026

As part of the program, test subjects were unknowingly given LSD, or lysergic acid diethylamide, a powerful hallucinogen. — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

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