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
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
One issue is that hypnosis has long been viewed as a form of entertainment, a stage show with a hypnotist and an audience, which can give viewers a sense that hypnosis is something done to you rather than a process that a person is led through.
—
Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
In other words, an irresistible hypnosis for cinephiles.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
This can include diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, hypnosis and mindfulness.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
The Radiance keeps its followers under a mass collective hypnosis, while the Pale King offers individuality, and manages to win the bugs over to his side.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypnosis
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Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025
In other words, an irresistible hypnosis for cinephiles.
—Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 3 Oct. 2025
This can include diaphragmatic breathing, meditation, hypnosis and mindfulness.
—Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 12 Sep. 2025
The Radiance keeps its followers under a mass collective hypnosis, while the Pale King offers individuality, and manages to win the bugs over to his side.
—Dani Di Placido, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypnosis
Cite this Entry
“Hypnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnosis. Accessed 4 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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