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Hallucinogenic: meaning, definitions and examples

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hallucinogenic

 

[həˌluːsɪnəˈdʒɛnɪk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

drug effects

Causing hallucinations; psychedelic.

Synonyms

mind-altering, psychedelic, psychoactive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hallucinogenic

Used primarily in scientific and medical settings to describe substances that cause hallucinations.

  • The researchers studied the effects of hallucinogenic plants on the brain.
  • Hallucinogenic drugs can alter your perception of reality.
psychedelic

Often used to describe substances or experiences that cause vivid, colorful, and often surreal mental landscapes. Can also refer to a style of art or music from the 1960s.

  • They went to a psychedelic music festival last summer.
  • Psychedelic art often features bright colors and patterns.
mind-altering

Common in everyday language and media to describe substances that significantly change one's thought processes or perception. Can have a negative connotation.

  • He was warned about the dangers of mind-altering substances.
  • The documentary explored the use of mind-altering drugs in ancient rituals.
psychoactive

Used in scientific, medical, and legal contexts to talk about substances that affect the mind. It is a neutral term without the assumption of intense hallucinations.

  • Caffeine is a common psychoactive substance.
  • The new law regulates the sale of psychoactive drugs.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used hallucinogenic drugs to inspire his paintings.
  • She experienced vivid hallucinations after taking the hallucinogenic substance.
Context #2 | Adjective

effects on perception

Distorting perceptions of reality; producing hallucinations.

Synonyms

distorting, illusion-inducing, mind-bending.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hallucinogenic

This term is typically used in the context of substances or drugs that cause hallucinations. It is often found in medical or scientific discussions.

  • Certain mushrooms have hallucinogenic properties.
  • Research on hallucinogenic drugs is underway to explore their potential medical benefits.
distorting

This word is used when something changes the appearance or perception of something else, often in a negative way. It can refer to visual, auditory, or even conceptual distortions.

  • The funhouse mirrors in the amusement park were incredibly distorting.
  • His biased opinions are distorting the facts.
mind-bending

This colloquial term is used to describe something that is overwhelmingly complex, surprising, or difficult to understand. It's often used in informal conversations and can refer to experiences, media, or ideas.

  • The movie's plot was mind-bending.
  • Quantum physics can be a mind-bending subject.
illusion-inducing

This phrase refers to anything that creates illusions or false perceptions. It often appears in artistic, psychological, or entertainment-related contexts.

  • The magician's tricks were truly illusion-inducing.
  • Virtual reality can be an illusion-inducing experience.

Examples of usage

  • The hallucinogenic effects of the drug made her see colors that weren't there.
  • After consuming the mushrooms, he started to have hallucinogenic experiences.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'hallucinogenic' comes from the Latin word 'hallucination,' which means to wander in the mind, as well as 'genic,' meaning having the ability to produce.
  • This word was first used in the mid-20th century to describe substances that caused hallucinations.

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures have used hallucinogenic plants, such as peyote and psilocybin mushrooms, for spiritual and healing purposes for thousands of years.
  • In the 1960s, these substances gained popularity in counterculture movements and heavily influenced music and art.

Psychological Effects

  • Hallucinogenic substances can alter perception, making colors more vivid or sounds more intense.
  • They may induce feelings of euphoria, but can also lead to fear or panic in some users, highlighting the wide range of mental reactions.

Science

  • Research indicates that hallucinogens can influence brain activity, notably affecting serotonin receptors, which regulate mood and perception.
  • Some scientists are studying hallucinogenic substances for therapeutic purposes, suggesting they could help treat conditions like PTSD and depression.

Literature

  • Many famous authors, such as Aldous Huxley and Hunter S. Thompson, wrote about their experiences with hallucinogenic drugs, reflecting their impact on creativity.
  • Hallucinogens have inspired numerous literary works, leading authors to explore themes of consciousness and human perception.

Translations

Translations of the word "hallucinogenic" in other languages:

🇵🇹 alucinógeno

🇮🇳 मतिभ्रमकारी

🇩🇪 halluzinogen

🇮🇩 halusinogenik

🇺🇦 галюциногенний

🇵🇱 halucynogenny

🇯🇵 幻覚剤の

🇫🇷 hallucinogène

🇪🇸 alucinógeno

🇹🇷 halüsinojen

🇰🇷 환각제의

🇸🇦 مُهَلْوِس

🇨🇿 halucinogenní

🇸🇰 halucinogénny

🇨🇳 致幻的

🇸🇮 halucinogen

🇮🇸 ofskynjunarlyf

🇰🇿 галлюциногендік

🇬🇪 ჰალუცინოგენური

🇦🇿 halüsinogen

🇲🇽 alucinógeno

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,561 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.