hypnosis

[ hip-noh-sis ]

noun

, plural hyp·no·ses [hip-, noh, -seez].

1. an artificially induced trance state resembling sleep, characterized by heightened susceptibility to suggestion.
2. hypnotism.

hypnosis

/ hɪpˈnəʊsɪs /

noun

1. an artificially induced state of relaxation and concentration in which deeper parts of the mind become more accessible: used clinically to reduce reaction to pain, to encourage free association, etc See also autohypnosis

hypnosis

/ hĭp-nō′sĭs /

1. A trancelike state resembling sleep, usually induced by a therapist by focusing a subject's attention, that heightens the subject's receptivity to suggestion. The uses of hypnosis in medicine and psychology include recovering repressed memories, modifying or eliminating undesirable behavior (such as smoking), and treating certain chronic disorders, such as anxiety.

hypnosis

1. Placing persons in a drowsy, sleeplike state in which they allegedly become vulnerable to the suggestions made by the hypnotist. Hypnosis may also be used to tap into the unconscious and is often characterized by vivid recall of memories and fantasies. These properties make hypnosis a useful tool in psychotherapy . Hypnosis also has sinister implications, for subjects may be manipulated to perform embarrassing actions or be susceptible to carrying out the hypnotist's commands after the hypnosis session (posthypnotic suggestion).

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypnosis¹

First recorded in 1875–80; hypn(otic) + -osis

Example Sentences

Self-help videos offered advice on relationships, wellness, business success and spirituality - including hypnosis, meditation and exercise programmes.

From BBC

Serious drama without a celebrity draw is an extremely tough sell in this era of entertainment-on-demand and social media hypnosis.

From Los Angeles Times

Under such hypnosis, even Jay sounds uncharacteristically chill, but his laid-back flow can’t hide the heartbreak in his words: “Slept on the couch, ’cause the bed ain’t a bed without you.”

From New York Times

Clinically, a transient bump in hypnotizability may be enough to allow more people living with chronic pain to choose hypnosis as an alternative to long-term opioid use.

From Science Daily

In the tape recording of the hypnosis session, Chapman explained that the reason why he targeted Lennon was because of his signature catchphrase: “All you need is love.”

From Salon

Related Words

• coma
• slumber
• trance