telekinesis

noun

tele·​ki·​ne·​sis ˌte-li-kə-ˈnē-səs 

-kī-

: the production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means

telekinetic

ˌte-li-kə-ˈne-tik 

adjective

telekinetically

ˌte-li-kə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Tele- in Greek means "far off". The eternally appealing idea of moving an object remotely, using only psychic powers, has had a long life in films, TV shows, stories and novels, video games, and comics. But although some researchers believe in the existence of telekinesis (also known as psychokinesis), most scientists believe that any reported experiences have been the result of fraud, wishful thinking, or naturally explainable events.

Examples of telekinesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Plot: Milhouse and Lisa gain the power of telekinesis after falling into a radioactive hole. —Joshua Kurp, Vulture, 4 Nov. 2024

The tone of Charmed is light compared to some of the other witchcraft dramas on this list, but Prue’s abilities — which included telekinesis and astral projection — are seriously impressive, earning her the nickname Super Witch. —Katie Rife, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2024

Chris is beautiful and popular, unlike the reclusive, strange Carrie; telekinesis or not, no one wants to be wretched Carrie. —Rafaela Bassili, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2024

Her powers include telekinesis, body swapping, phasing, psychic abilities and mind control. —Dina Kaur, The Arizona Republic, 23 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

telekinesis

noun

tele·​ki·​ne·​sis ˌtel-ə-kə-ˈnē-səs, -kī- 

plural telekineses -ˌsēz 

: the apparent production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means compare precognition, psychokinesis

telekinetic

-ˈnet-ik 

adjective

telekinetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb