hallucinogen

noun

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

Examples of hallucinogen in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
That’s because about half of the patients suffer from a rare reaction called hallucinogen persisting perception disorder (HPPD), which often appears as a visual disturbance, Bekhrad says. — Dawn Fallik, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026 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 See All Example Sentences for hallucinogen

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

Browse Nearby Words

hallucinatory
hallucinogen
hallucinosis
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hallucinogen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hallucinogen. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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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
-ˌlü-sə-nə-ˈjen-ik How to pronounce hallucinogen (audio)
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

Nglish: Translation of hallucinogen for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hallucinogen

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