hypnosis

hyp-no-sis · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An artificially induced trance state resembling sleep, characterized by heightened suggestibility and responsiveness to direction.

  2. 2.

    The practice or technique of inducing such a state.

Forms

plural: hypnoses

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    self-hypnosis — inducing a hypnotic state in oneself
  • •
    hypnotherapy — therapeutic use of hypnosis

Related words

See also: hypnotize, mesmerism, suggestion, trance
Synonyms: mesmerism, trance

Etymology

Coined in the 1840s from Greek hypnos ("sleep") + -osis (condition). The term was introduced by Scottish surgeon James Braid to replace "mesmerism."