hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
plural hypnoses hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
1
: a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2
: any of various conditions that resemble sleep
3

Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence

He underwent hypnosis to treat his fear of water. While under hypnosis, she described the horrific accident in detail.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2024 Leland’s hypnosis is strong, but Andy’s love for his kid is stronger, sorry Satan! Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 13 June 2024 From swingers seeking bestiality to an inexplicable hypnosis sequence, there’s more than meets the eye to this 1980 throwback known primarily for planting a field with human heads. Alison Foreman, IndieWire, 11 Oct. 2024 At times, adjunct therapies, such as meditation, relaxation techniques, and hypnosis, can help prevent future episodes of thanatophobia. Wendy Wisner, Health, 26 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for hypnosis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypnosis was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near hypnosis

Cite this Entry

“Hypnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnosis. Accessed 19 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

hypnosis

noun
hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
plural hypnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
: a trancelike state resembling sleep that is caused in a person by another whose suggestions are readily accepted and acted upon by the person in this state
Etymology

scientific Latin hypnosis "hypnosis," derived from Greek hypnos "sleep," from Hypnos "the Greek god of sleep"

Medical Definition

hypnosis

noun
hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
plural hypnoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
1
: a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2
: any of various conditions that resemble sleep
3

More from Merriam-Webster on hypnosis

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