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

Listen to this article A book by La Jolla physician and resident Dr. Ran Anbar is about to be published with hypnosis strategies and other tools to help teenagers harness the power within to solve common problems. —Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 28 Jan. 2025

Their siren-esque vocals, fearlessly heavy guitars, and pop-grunge hypnosis are exactly what our inner teens need. —Vox Staff, Vox, 23 Dec. 2024

The 10 minutes that follow each three-minute hypnosis spoof are the same across all three versions. —Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 17 Dec. 2024

Programs also include emotional healing guided by experts in hypnosis, inner child therapy, and more. —Devorah Lev-Tov, AFAR Media, 31 Jan. 2025

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