illusion
il-lu-sion · noun
Definitions
noun
- 1.
A false idea or belief; something that deceives by producing a false impression.
- 2.
A thing that is or is likely to be wrongly perceived or interpreted by the senses.
Forms
plural: illusions
Phrases & expressions
- •optical illusion — a visual perception that differs from reality
- •be under the illusion — to mistakenly believe something
- •shatter the illusion — to reveal the truth
Related words
Etymology
From Latin illusio ("a mocking, irony"), from illudere ("to mock, to play with"), from in- + ludere ("to play").