PsychologyJuly 13, 2026
hallucinogen
/həˈluːsɪnədʒən/
Definition
A psychoactive substance, such as LSD, capable of causing profound shifts in consciousness, sensory perception, and cognitive patterns.
Etymology
The word is derived from the Latin 'hallucinari' (to wander in the mind) and the Greek suffix '-gen' (producing). It entered English in the mid-20th century to specifically describe drugs that induce hallucinations.
In the news
The term is used here to identify LSD as a drug that impacts the thalamus and broader brain networks to alter human perception. The researchers highlight that future studies must consider how these substances affect deep brain structures to fully understand their therapeutic potential.
How LSD reshapes brain circuitry to blur the lines between perception and thought
Read the full article ↗PsyPost