What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hallucinogen
Example
LSD is a powerful hallucinogen that can cause vivid visual and auditory hallucinations. [hallucinogen: noun]
Example
The effects of the hallucinogen lasted for several hours, causing a profound shift in consciousness. [hallucinogen: adjective]
psychedelic
Example
The psychedelic experience can be transformative and life-changing. [psychedelic: adjective]
Example
Mushrooms are a natural source of psychedelic compounds that can produce profound changes in perception. [psychedelic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Psychedelic is more commonly used than hallucinogen in everyday language, especially in the context of music, art, and spirituality. Hallucinogen is more commonly used in scientific and medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hallucinogen and psychedelic?
Both hallucinogen and psychedelic are formal terms that are typically used in scientific and medical contexts. However, psychedelic has also been adopted by popular culture and is often used in informal contexts.