hallucinate

[ huh-loo-suh-neyt ]

verb (used without object)

, hal·lu·ci·nat·ed, hal·lu·ci·nat·ing.

1. to see or hear things that do not exist outside the mind; have hallucinations:

   People who ingested this fungus often hallucinated, seeing colored lights or hearing voices.

2. Computers, Digital Technology. (of a machine learning program) to produce false information contrary to the intent of the user and present it as if true and factual.

verb (used with object)

, hal·lu·ci·nat·ed, hal·lu·ci·nat·ing.

1. to see or hear (things that do not exist outside the mind); have hallucinations about:

   In dramatic moments, the character hallucinates a very funny animated bear.

2. Archaic. to affect with hallucinations.

hallucinate

/ həˈluːsɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. intr to experience hallucinations

Derived Forms

• halˈluciˌnator, noun

Other Words From

• hal·lu·ci·na·tor noun
• non·hal·lu·ci·nat·ed adjective
• un·hal·lu·ci·nat·ed adjective
• un·hal·lu·ci·nat·ing adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hallucinate¹

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin hallūcinātus “wandered mentally” past participle of hallūcinārī, variant of (h)ālūcinārī “to dream, talk idly, wander mentally”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hallucinate¹

C17: from Latin ālūcinārī to wander in mind; compare Greek aluein to be distraught

Example Sentences

The government is currently evaluating generative AI for use in the NHS - one issue is that it can sometimes "hallucinate" and generate content that is not substantiated.

From BBC

Some machine-learning approaches employ generative AI models that try to guess what lies in the occluded regions, but these models can hallucinate objects that aren't really there.

From Science Daily

In her Friday blog post, Reid argued that Google’s AI overviews “generally don’t ‘hallucinate’ or make things up in the ways that other” large language model-based products might because they are more closely integrated with Google’s traditional search engine in only showing what’s backed up by top web results.

From Seattle Times

Later, discovering Edgar’s drawings, which he had frightened his son out of showing him, Vincent begins both to build the puppet in hopes that putting Eric on television will bring Edgar back, and to hallucinate its presence as a hectoring, critical constant companion.

From Los Angeles Times

I say “hallucinate” — and there are passing references to some kind of breakdown in Vincent’s past — but imaginary companions are always functionally real on the screen.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• daydream
• fantasize
• freak out