hallucinatory

[ huh-loo-suh-nuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or characterized by hallucination:

   hallucinatory visions.

Other Words From

• nonhal·luci·na·tory adjective
• unhal·luci·na·tory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hallucinatory¹

First recorded in 1820–30; hallucinate + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

And a feeling of failure so tied to his father, who appears in this episode as a kind of hallucinatory vision in prison, which is also quite an affecting moment.

From Los Angeles Times

Stylistically, it aims for, and achieves, a cinematic look, with shallow focus, extreme close-ups, elaborate camera movements and some hallucinatory visual and sound effects to create tension and indicate emotional distress.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s something ridiculous about renaissance fairs, and so there’s something ridiculous about “Ren Faire,” which blends hallucinatory nightmare sequences and fiery cinematic moments into its nonfiction.

From New York Times

However, Smith’s lawyer said in a previous court filing that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation’s inventory of Nichols’ car made after the beating showed that he had psilocybin, the hallucinatory compound in psychedelic mushrooms.

From Seattle Times

A bit of hallucinatory license, then, has sometimes been taken.

From New York Times

Related Words

• dreamlike
• fanciful
• fantastic
• illusory