telekinesis

noun

tele·​ki·​ne·​sis ˌte-li-kə-ˈnē-səs 

-kī-

: the production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means

telekinetic

ˌte-li-kə-ˈne-tik 

adjective

telekinetically

ˌte-li-kə-ˈne-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Did you know?

Tele- in Greek means "far off". The eternally appealing idea of moving an object remotely, using only psychic powers, has had a long life in films, TV shows, stories and novels, video games, and comics. But although some researchers believe in the existence of telekinesis (also known as psychokinesis), most scientists believe that any reported experiences have been the result of fraud, wishful thinking, or naturally explainable events.

Examples of telekinesis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While each episode focuses on something different, from deadly parasites to telekinesis, vampires and more, the real strength of the show comes from the relationship between the two leads, skeptic Dana Scully (Gillian Anderson) and believer Fox Mulder (David Duchovny). —Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 19 Feb. 2024

This time around, Jason isn’t the only character with superhuman powers and he’s forced to battle it out with Tina, whose telekinesis grows stronger with each scene. —Keith Langston, Peoplemag, 13 Oct. 2023

The florid acrobatics of kung fu may look spectacular on screen but barely feature in serious competition, perhaps propelling the rise to a growing cadre of kung fu practitioners who claim supernatural skills, such as superhuman strength and telekinesis. —Charlie Campbell, Time, 7 June 2023

Using a prenatal diet of hallucinogens, speed and radioactive isotopes, the couple produce their mutant progeny: conjoined twins; Aqua Boy; a hunchback; a seemingly typical child with telekinesis; stillborn infants exhibited in jars. —Elizabeth Hand, Washington Post, 11 Nov. 2022

Yes, almost like telekinesis, but without the pseudoscience. —Q.ai - Powering A Personal Wealth Movement, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2023

Before then, her abilities mostly manifest themselves via premonitions that almost any character with or without telekinesis could be having. —Brendan Morrow, The Week, 13 Jan. 2023

Carrie’s telekinesis is a cathartic expression of the intensity of her feelings — the subconscious made manifest. —Chloe Okuno, Variety, 21 Dec. 2022

Fortunato use his telekinesis to extract Arturo’s sperm and impregnate her with it. —Eric Rosenblum, The New Yorker, 1 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

telekinesis

noun

tele·​ki·​ne·​sis ˌtel-ə-kə-ˈnē-səs, -kī- 

plural telekineses -ˌsēz 

: the apparent production of motion in objects (as by a spiritualistic medium) without contact or other physical means compare precognition, psychokinesis

telekinetic

-ˈnet-ik 

adjective

telekinetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb