hallucinogen

noun

hal·​lu·​ci·​no·​gen hə-ˈlü-sə-nə-jən How to pronounce hallucinogen (audio)
: a substance that induces hallucinations
hallucinogenic adjective or noun

Examples of hallucinogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Ketamine is known as a dissociative anesthetic or dissociative hallucinogen. Delaney Nothaft, USA TODAY, 23 Feb. 2024 The point is to make veterans well, not high on hallucinogens. Joe Davidson, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Although other hallucinogens, such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and MDMA, have been researched for varying psychiatric conditions, with increasingly promising results, ibogaine is still in the very early stages of this research. Dr. Angela Zhang, ABC News, 5 Jan. 2024 Further Reading Ancient Peruvians partied hard, spiked their beer with hallucinogens to win friends Vilca typically grows in the dry tropical forests in the region. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 June 2023 Wall Street's sudden exuberance for hallucinogens has rankled longtime advocates and philanthropists, who dreamed of making low-cost psychedelics widely available for mental health and personal growth. Matthew Perrone, Quartz, 5 Feb. 2024 Nelson agreed, pointing to similar effects for other hallucinogens like psilocybin and MDMA. Dr. Angela Zhang, ABC News, 5 Jan. 2024 And people of the state of Tiwanaku were known to mix such hallucinogens with alcohol, specifically maize beer. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 14 June 2023 It is estimated that more than five million American adults use hallucinogens. Sue Halpern, The New York Review of Books, 12 Oct. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hallucinogen.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

hallucination + -o- + -gen

First Known Use

1954, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hallucinogen was in 1954

Dictionary Entries Near hallucinogen

Cite this Entry

“Hallucinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hallucinogen. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

hallucinogen

noun
hal·​lu·​ci·​no·​gen hə-ˈlü-sə-nə-jən How to pronounce hallucinogen (audio)
: a drug that causes hallucinations
hallucinogenic adjective

Medical Definition

hallucinogen

noun
hal·​lu·​ci·​no·​gen hə-ˈlüs-ᵊn-ə-jən How to pronounce hallucinogen (audio)
: a substance and especially a drug that induces hallucinations

More from Merriam-Webster on hallucinogen

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