altered state of consciousness

American  

noun

1. any modification of the normal state of consciousness or awareness, including drowsiness or sleep and also states created by the use of alcohol, drugs, hypnosis, or techniques of meditation.

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Etymology

Origin of altered state of consciousness

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

The exercise, they were told, had the potential to induce an altered state of consciousness so profound that breathers sometimes describe it as reliving the terrifying moment of their birth.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 14, 2024

However, it can be conceptualized as an altered state of consciousness with distortions of perception, modified sense of self and rapidly changing emotions.

From Salon • Oct. 6, 2023

“Is he’s created an altered state of consciousness induction device. And, I think it worked on me.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 26, 2023

But even if you choose to leave your sleeping brain alone, pay attention: after nodding off, your brain in its altered state of consciousness is very likely already hard at work.

From Scientific American • Oct. 20, 2011

Who else could describe his altered state of consciousness thusly during a game in Denver?

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2010