Hallucinogen: meaning, definitions and examples
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hallucinogen
[həˈluːsɪnədʒən ]
Definitions
drug
A substance that causes hallucinations, which are perceptions that seem real but are created by the mind.
Synonyms
mind-altering, psychedelic, psychoactive.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hallucinogen |
Used primarily in scientific, medical, or academic settings to refer to substances that cause hallucinations. It is a neutral term.
|
| psychedelic |
Associated with the 1960s counterculture movement, this word is often used in creative or artistic contexts to describe vivid and surreal experiences. It can have a positive or neutral connotation.
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| psychoactive |
Used primarily in scientific, medical, or pharmaceutical contexts to describe any substance that affects the mind or behavior. It is a neutral term.
|
| mind-altering |
Common in everyday language and media, often used to describe substances that change perception, mood, or consciousness. The term can have slightly negative connotations.
|
Examples of usage
- People who take hallucinogens may experience vivid colors and distorted sounds.
- After taking the hallucinogen, she felt like she was in a different reality.
- The use of hallucinogens can alter a person's perception of time and space.
medicine
A substance used in medicine to induce hallucinations for therapeutic or research purposes.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hallucinogen |
This term is commonly used in scientific or medical contexts to describe substances that cause hallucinations.
|
| psychotomimetic |
This term is used mainly in clinical or academic settings and has a more negative connotation, referring to substances that produce effects similar to psychosis.
|
Examples of usage
- Researchers are studying the effects of hallucinogens on mental health disorders.
- Hallucinogens have been used in certain cultures for spiritual or healing purposes.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The term comes from the Latin word 'hallucinari,' which means to wander in the mind or to dream.
- The suffix 'gen' translates to 'that which generates,' pointing to the ability of these substances to create intense experiences.
- Its modern usage emerged in the early 20th century, as scientists began to study the effects of certain plants and chemicals.
Cultural History
- Many ancient cultures used hallucinogens during rituals to connect with the spiritual world, as seen with the Aztec mushroom rituals.
- In the 1960s, the use of hallucinogens became prominent in countercultural movements, often associated with exploring consciousness.
- Some indigenous tribes, such as those in the Amazon, have traditionally used plants like Ayahuasca for healing and spiritual discoveries.
Science
- Hallucinogens primarily affect serotonin receptors in the brain, altering mood, perception, and cognition.
- Research is being conducted on their potential therapeutic effects in treating conditions like PTSD and depression.
- Common substances include LSD, psilocybin (found in magic mushrooms), and mescaline (from peyote cacti).
Psychology
- Studies suggest that hallucinogens can lead to a phenomenon called 'ego dissolution,' where one's sense of self becomes blurred.
- The experiences can vary widely, often influenced by the user's mindset and the environment in which they're taken, known as 'set and setting.'
- Some users report profound insights, while others may have distressing experiences, referred to as 'bad trips.'
Pop Culture
- Many musicians and artists in the 1960s and 1970s openly embraced these substances, claiming they enhanced creativity.
- Films and literature, such as 'Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas,' often portray hallucinogenic experiences as mind-expanding but chaotic.
- The introduction of psychedelics into mainstream discourse has sparked widespread interest in research and personal exploration.
Translations
Translations of the word "hallucinogen" in other languages:
🇵🇹 alucinógeno
🇮🇳 मतिभ्रमकारक पदार्थ
🇩🇪 Halluzinogen
🇮🇩 halusinogen
🇺🇦 галюциноген
🇵🇱 halucynogen
🇯🇵 幻覚剤 (げんかくざい)
🇫🇷 hallucinogène
🇪🇸 alucinógeno
🇹🇷 halüsinojen
🇰🇷 환각제 (幻覺劑)
🇸🇦 مادة مهلوسة
🇨🇿 halucinogen
🇸🇰 halucinogén
🇨🇳 致幻剂 (zhì huàn jì)
🇸🇮 halucinogen
🇮🇸 ofskynjunarlyf
🇰🇿 галлюциноген
🇬🇪 ჰალუცინოგენი
🇦🇿 halüsinojen
🇲🇽 alucinógeno