sensation

[ sen-sey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the operation or function of the senses; perception or awareness of stimuli through the senses.
2. a mental condition or physical feeling resulting from stimulation of a sense organ or from internal bodily change, as cold or pain.
3. Physiology. the faculty of perception of stimuli.
4. a general feeling not directly attributable to any given stimulus, as discomfort, anxiety, or doubt.
5. a mental feeling, especially a state of excited feeling.
6. a state of excited feeling or interest caused among a number of persons or throughout a community, as by some rumor or occurrence.

   Synonyms: stimulation, perturbation, commotion, agitation, animation, excitement

7. a cause of such feeling or interest:

   The new Brazilian movie was the sensation of the film festival.

sensation

/ sɛnˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. the power of perceiving through the senses
2. a physical condition or experience resulting from the stimulation of one of the sense organs

   a sensation of warmth

3. a general feeling or awareness

   a sensation of fear

4. a state of widespread public excitement

   his announcement caused a sensation

5. anything that causes such a state

   your speech was a sensation

Derived Forms

• senˈsationless, adjective

Other Words From

• sen·sation·less adjective
• nonsen·sation noun
• resen·sation noun
• subsen·sation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensation¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin sēnsātiōn- (stem of sēnsātiō ), equivalent to Late Latin sēnsāt(us) sensate + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensation¹

C17: from Medieval Latin sensātiō, from Late Latin sensātus sensate

Synonym Study

See sense.

Example Sentences

There is a real challenger to Etiwanda’s supremacy in Ontario Christian, which picked up two elite freshmen in 6-6 Sydney Douglas and 5-11 Tatianna Griffin to combine with sophomore sensation Kaleena Smith, who averaged 34.9 points as a freshman.

From Los Angeles Times

Jiang's results turned her into an overnight sensation, and she was labelled a "prodigy" in the press and on social media.

From BBC

Oyster Artichoke Soup, or as it was known, Potage Leruth, was a menu staple at the restaurant and an absolute overnight sensation.

From Salon

Margot Robbie is taking on a new IP project with the film adaptation of video game sensation ‘The Sims.’

From Los Angeles Times

Also notable was that musical guest and festival sensation Chappell Roan performed her sing-along hit “Pink Pony Club” and also debuted a surprise country song, “The Giver.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• emotion
• impression
• passion
• sense
• sensitivity