spaced-out

[ speyst-out ]

adjective

, Informal.

1. dazed or stupefied because of the influence of narcotic drugs:

   The spaced-out main characters are the primary feature of a stoner comedy.

2. dreamily or eerily out of touch with reality or seemingly so; spacey:

   He was rushed to the hospital with signs of a concussion, including spaced-out and confused behavior.

spaced out

adjective

1. slang.
   intoxicated through or as if through taking a drug Often shortened tospaced

Word History and Origins

Origin of spaced-out¹

An Americanism dating back to 1965–70; on the pattern of phrasal verbs with out marking completed action, such as tired out; space apparently by association with “outer space” as, metaphorically, a place outside normal consciousness

Example Sentences

“I just can’t believe it. I kinda spaced out for a while when they called my name.”

From Los Angeles Times

My whole body, mind included, felt numb and spaced out.

From Los Angeles Times

Her first college game came in an eerily quiet setting: no fans, players spaced out on bleachers and some wearing masks to protect against the coronavirus.

From New York Times

According to the plea agreement, he originally wrote M.S.D. — the same initials as Magnolia School District — on the checks, with the letters spaced out.

From Los Angeles Times

Built between 1973 and 1981, the VLA comprises 28 large, 25m diameter, dish antennas spaced out across a desert plain.

From BBC