spaced-out
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- confused or disoriented as if intoxicated through taking a drug
- stupefied by (or as if by) some narcotic drug