trance

1 of 2

noun

ˈtran(t)s 

1

: stupor, daze

2

: a sleeplike state (as of deep hypnosis) usually characterized by partly suspended animation with diminished or absent sensory and motor activity

3

: a state of profound abstraction or absorption

trancelike

ˈtran(t)s-ˌlīk 

adjective

trance

2 of 2

verb

tranced; trancing

transitive verb

: entrance, enrapture

Synonyms

Noun

• daydreaming
• reverie
• revery
• study
• woolgathering

Examples of trance in a Sentence

Noun

The spiritual healer fell into a trance.

He was staring out the window in a trance.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Hypnotherapists evoke vivid imaginings during trances. —Brad Jacobs, Fortune, 4 Apr. 2024

Ray of Light' (1998) Another huge artistic stride, this single was seen as Madonna reclaiming her spot on the front lines of the dance-pop revolution, bringing in producer William Orbit for a clattering gem of a track with elements of techno, trance and electronic dance. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 10 Mar. 2024

Think: colorfully textured pieces layered with references as far flung as Burning Man to the trance dance parties of Goa. —Kristen Bateman, Vogue, 30 Mar. 2024

Jon Bon Jovi made what was arguably the most unexpected appearance at Ultra Music Festival 2024 in Miami over the weekend, performing with trance legend Armin van Buuren during van Buuren’s Sunday night (March 24) mainstage festival set. —Katie Bain, Billboard, 25 Mar. 2024

Ground from a mineral called cinnabar, the substance would have sent them into a fevered trance with tremors and delirium. —Bridget Alex, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2024

But the four-time Grammy winner’s buttery smooth vocals over gritty guitar melodies aren’t the only things that have had us in a trance over the years. —Akili King, Essence, 12 Mar. 2024

The show, about an hour long, whizzed by in a trance of mostly midtempo rockers without gimmicks. —Sophia Solano, Washington Post, 14 Feb. 2024

Just a tiny percentage of the population falling under the trance of its stars translates into millions of people who can, for example, be convinced to head to the nation’s Capital to try to overturn a democratic election. —Oliver Darcy, CNN, 31 Jan. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English traunce, from Anglo-French transe death, coma, rapture, from transir to depart, die, from Latin transire to cross, pass by — more at transient

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

circa 1598, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

trance

noun

ˈtran(t)s

1

: stupor sense 1

2

: a sleeplike state (as of deep hypnosis)

3

: a state of being so deeply absorbed in something as to be unaware of one's surroundings

trancelike

-ˌlīk

adjective

Medical Definition

trance

noun

ˈtran(t)s 

1

: a sleeplike altered state of consciousness (as of deep hypnosis) usually characterized by partly suspended animation with diminished or absent sensory and motor activity and subsequent lack of recall

2

: a state of profound abstraction or absorption

trancelike

-ˌlīk 

adjective

or trance-like

a trancelike state