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 Confusion is rife in stage hypnosis, especially for participants. Emily Latimer, Longreads, 25 Jan. 2024 Yale worshipped fake science during the Covid mass hysteria and hypnosis. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 8 Feb. 2024 Identifying the drugs Benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 27 Jan. 2024 There are several non-medication treatments with great success too, adds Dr. Smith, such as behavior feedback and hypnosis. Danielle Sinay, Glamour, 25 Dec. 2023 Over the years their works have taken the form of energy systems, beverages, sculptures, hypnosis sessions, paintings, plant nurseries, contracts, and public spaces. The San Diego Union-Tribune Staff, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Jan. 2024 During the Covid mass hysteria and hypnosis, the Fogg shut longer than almost every museum in the country, but that’s on Harvard, not her. Brian T. Allen, National Review, 14 Dec. 2023 Studies have proven the effects of biofeedback, meditation and even hypnosis as beneficial to various dermatologic conditions. Essence, 1 Nov. 2023 On Monday's episode, Kalani revealed a shocking secret, and Ed underwent hypnosis therapy and made a surprising discovery about himself. Kelly Martinez, Peoplemag, 12 Sep. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypnosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 Mar. 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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