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

3

: hypnotism sense 1

Synonyms

• hypnotism
• mesmerism

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

All the while, Owens blurs hypnosis and seduction, speaking in bursts of two or fewer syllables that beckon the body and mind to loosen. —Stephen Kearse, TIME, 9 Dec. 2024

But with hypnosis, compassion turns inward and towards your body. —Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 5 Dec. 2024

Sofia Falcone is still reeling from her brother’s death and finds herself in a waking nightmare, which is exacerbated by the weird hypnosis therapy administered by Julian Rush, her hot doctor on loan from Arkham. —Andy Andersen, Vulture, 29 Sep. 2024

Benzodiazepines are depressants that produce sedation and hypnosis, relieve anxiety and muscle spasms, and reduce seizures, according to the US Drug Enforcement Administration. —Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hypnosis

• self-hypnosis

Kids 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

3

: hypnotism sense 1