psychedelic
UK: ˌsaɪ.kɪˈdel.ɪk | US: ˌsaɪ.kəˈdel.ɪk
adj. relating to or denoting drugs (especially LSD) that produce hallucinations and apparent expansion of consciousness
adj. (of art, music, etc.) imitating or inspired by the effects of psychedelic drugs; vividly surreal or intense
n. a psychedelic drug
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Coined in 1956 by British psychiatrist Humphry Osmond, the term blends Greek psyche ("mind/soul") and deloun ("to reveal"). It originally described drugs like LSD that "reveal the mind" by altering perception. The word's evolution reflects the 1960s counterculture, where it expanded to describe art and music mimicking these mind-expanding experiences. The morphemes preserve their Greek roots while forming a cohesive modern compound.
The band's psychedelic album featured swirling colors and surreal lyrics.
He experienced vivid hallucinations after taking a psychedelic substance.
The artist used psychedelic patterns to evoke a dreamlike state.
Researchers study psychedelics for potential therapeutic benefits.
The festival celebrated psychedelic culture with light shows and experimental music.