extrasensory perception

noun

: perception (as in telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition) that involves awareness of information about events external to the self not gained through the senses and not deducible from previous experience

called also ESP

Examples of extrasensory perception in a Sentence

discouraged by the lack of progress in the case, the police were willing to listen to a woman claiming extrasensory perception
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Their interests included astrology, divination, numerology, extrasensory perception, and mediumship. Pamela Wright, BostonGlobe.com, 4 Aug. 2023 Mediums often boast extrasensory perception. Dallas News, 29 Aug. 2022 While some psychic mediums use extrasensory perception such as clairvoyance or channeling, others focus on sensing people’s energy, thoughts, and feelings. Dallas News, 9 Nov. 2022 The convention is for those interested in paranormal and supernatural experiences but also includes Tarot reading, fortune telling, extrasensory perception and other spiritual topics. Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 14 July 2022 Clairvoyance refers to the ability to see and interpret symbols and visions using some form of extrasensory perception. Dallas News, 9 Nov. 2022 Even in the context of a career of irreverence, there was little to suggest that Bem would end up defending the possibility of extrasensory perception, or ESP, which most mainstream scientists consider unworthy of serious inquiry. Yudhijit Bhattacharjee, Discover Magazine, 13 May 2012 Premonitions became understood not in terms of extrasensory perception but simply misperception: the work of cognitive error or misfiring neurons rather than the supernatural. Ian Beacock, The New Republic, 25 Aug. 2022 Ralph dismisses such extrasensory perception as more liability than gift, especially since Michael grows increasingly frail by exercising his powers and comes to depend on Hilda for friendship, stability and reassurance. Washington Post, 24 Mar. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of extrasensory perception was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near extrasensory perception

Cite this Entry

“Extrasensory perception.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extrasensory%20perception. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

extrasensory perception

noun
: an awareness of events or facts that cannot be explained by communication using any of the known senses

Medical Definition

extrasensory perception

noun
: perception (as in telepathy, clairvoyance, and precognition) that involves awareness of information about events external to the self not gained through the senses and not deducible from previous experience

called also ESP

More from Merriam-Webster on extrasensory perception

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!