Definition

Adjective: 1. Confused or disoriented, as if intoxicated by a drug: Describes a state of mental fogginess, detachment, or bewilderment, often likened to the effects of a narcotic. 2. Stupefied by (or as if by) some narcotic drug: Specifically refers to being in a dazed, unresponsive, or dreamy state, typically caused by drug use but can also describe a similar state from other causes.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • After taking the strong medication, he felt completely spaced-out and couldn't focus on the conversation.
  • She had a spaced-out expression, staring blankly at the wall for hours.
  • Pulling three all-nighters in a row left me feeling totally spaced-out.

Advanced Usage

• The term is informal and often carries a negative connotation, implying a lack of awareness or coherence.
• It can be used figuratively to describe someone who is extremely tired, deeply distracted, or lost in thought, not necessarily due to drugs.
  • I was so spaced-out from boredom during the lecture that I didn't hear my name called.

Variants and Related Words

• Space out (phrasal verb): To become inattentive, distracted, or to daydream.
  • I tend to space out during long meetings.
• Spacy (also Spacey) (adjective): Similar to spaced-out; dreamy, eccentric, or seeming out of touch with reality.

Synonyms

• Dazed: Stunned or confused, especially from a blow or shock.
• Stupefied: Made unable to think or feel properly.
• Zoned out: In a state of mental detachment or daydreaming (informal).
• Out of it: Not fully conscious or aware (informal).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Space out: (As mentioned above) To stop paying attention; to become mentally absent.
  • Sorry, I spaced out for a moment. What did you say?

Related Idioms

• In a world of one's own: So absorbed in one's thoughts as to be unaware of one's surroundings; similar to being spaced-out.
  • He's in a world of his own today, completely spaced-out about the upcoming trip.

Adjective

1. confused or disoriented as if intoxicated through taking a drug
2. stupefied by (or as if by) some narcotic drug