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 At times, adjunct therapies, such as meditation, relaxation techniques, and hypnosis, can help prevent future episodes of thanatophobia. Wendy Wisner, Health, 26 July 2024 While under hypnosis, the teenager was able to remember the man's face in remarkable detail. Mary Spicuzza, Journal Sentinel, 6 Sep. 2024 The doctor also arranges for a personal meditation session that is more akin to hypnosis as his gentle voice guides my wayward thoughts. Ann Lee, theweek, 5 Sep. 2024 The study highlights the potential of hypnosis to facilitate profound emotional shifts and promote lasting change. Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 20 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for hypnosis 

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 12 Oct. 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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