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
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.
All the while, Owens blurs hypnosis and seduction, speaking in bursts of two or fewer syllables that beckon the body and mind to loosen. Stephen Kearse, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024 But with hypnosis, compassion turns inward and towards your body. Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024 Sofia Falcone is still reeling from her brother’s death and finds herself in a waking nightmare, which is exacerbated by the weird hypnosis therapy administered by Julian Rush, her hot doctor on loan from Arkham. Andy Andersen, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024 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 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 23 Dec. 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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