adj Uncommon

psychedelic

SEYE-kuh-dehl-ihk

Psychedelic (adj) means Related to the altered perception, hallucinations, or intense sensory effects caused by certain drugs. Example: “The band was known for their psychedelic guitar solos and swirling stage lights.”

adj

Related to the altered perception, hallucinations, or intense sensory effects caused by certain drugs.

"The band was known for their psychedelic guitar solos and swirling stage lights."

Featuring bright colours and abstract, trippy visual patterns.

"The poster had a psychedelic design of melting rainbow swirls."

noun

A drug, such as LSD or psilocybin mushrooms, that causes altered perception and hallucinations.

"Researchers are studying whether psychedelics can help treat depression."

How to use psychedelic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAnything related to the mind-altering, hallucination-like effects of drugs like LSD, or visuals that look similarly trippy.

Common pairings

psychedelic drugs psychedelic art psychedelic experience

Word forms

more psychedelic comparative, psychedelics plural, most psychedelic superlative

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The band was known for their _____ guitar solos and swirling stage lights.

Etymology

Coined in 1956 by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond from Greek psykhē ("mind") and dēlos ("visible, manifest") — literally "mind-manifesting."

Origin: Greek · First attested 1956

Class of 1956 psychedelic joined the language around 1956.

Yahtzee

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Rhymes for psychedelic

relic Gaelic angelic

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Frequently asked questions

What does “psychedelic” mean?

The word “psychedelic” means related to the altered perception, hallucinations, or intense sensory effects caused by certain drugs. In plain terms, anything related to the mind-altering, hallucination-like effects of drugs like LSD, or visuals that look similarly trippy.

How do you pronounce “psychedelic”?

“Psychedelic” is pronounced SEYE-kuh-dehl-ihk (/ˈsaɪ.kəˌdɛl.ɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “psychedelic” in a sentence?

Here is “psychedelic” used in a sentence: “The band was known for their psychedelic guitar solos and swirling stage lights.”

What part of speech is “psychedelic”?

Depending on how it is used, “psychedelic” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “psychedelic” come from?

The word “psychedelic” dates back to around 1956 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1956 by psychiatrist Humphry Osmond from Greek psykhē ("mind") and dēlos ("visible, manifest") — literally "mind-manifesting.".

Is “psychedelic” a common word?

“Psychedelic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

How many meanings does “psychedelic” have?

“Psychedelic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: related to the altered perception, hallucinations, or intense sensory effects caused by certain drugs.

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