hypnagogic

[ hip-nuh-goj-ik, -goh-jik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to drowsiness.
2. inducing drowsiness.

hypnagogic

/ ˌhɪpnəˈɡɒdʒɪk /

adjective

1. psychol of or relating to the state just before one is fully asleep See also hypnagogic image hypnopompic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypnagogic¹

First recorded in 1885–90; from French hypnagogique; hypn-, -agogue, -ic. See Hypnos

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypnagogic¹

C19: from French hypnagogique; see hypno-, -agogic

Example Sentences

The music is full of the pillowy synths and muted drums that served the hypnagogic vibes of her last album, Midnights, so well.

From BBC

My main experience of it really was in the hypnagogic hallucinations.

From Salon

When the hypnagogic lullabies of Julee Cruise started leaking out of David Lynch’s metaphysical soap opera “Twin Peaks” in 1990, the border between make-believe and the real world felt more porous than usual.

From Washington Post

Media Lab, who has devised technology to interact with hypnagogic states but did not collaborate with Oudiette’s team.

From Scientific American

People who experience sleep paralysis also will often report hypnagogic hallucinations, or waking up and seeing something from their dream in their bedroom, Barrett said.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• surreal