hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz 

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

: hypnotism sense 1

Synonyms

• hypnotism
• mesmerism

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

Some people are more susceptible than others Many still consider hypnosis more of a cheap magician’s trick than legitimate clinical medicine. —Big Think, 24 June 2024

Former Lykos employees have also expressed the view that the company is a cult, citing, for example, its use of techniques from hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming (a scientifically unsupported method for changing someone’s thoughts) when trying to get people to donate money to the company. —Sigal Samuel, Vox, 19 June 2024

Hypnotherapy, a core component of Sunseri’s approach, is a therapeutic technique that utilizes hypnosis to access the subconscious mind. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 20 May 2024

Exposure therapy, hypnosis, rituals—what works, and what doesn't? March 26, 2024 Phobias are a weird thing. —Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hypnosis

• self-hypnosis

Kids Definition

hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs 

plural hypnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz 

: 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 

plural hypnoses -ˌsēz 

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

: hypnotism sense 1