mentalism

[ men-tl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. the doctrine that objects of knowledge have no existence except in the mind of the perceiver.
2. the doctrine that human conduct reflects the operation of a nonmaterial principle.
3. any psychological theory that accepts as a proper subject of study the mental basis for human behavior.

mentalism

/ ˈmɛntəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. philosophy the doctrine that mind is the fundamental reality and that objects of knowledge exist only as aspects of the subject's consciousness Compare physicalism idealism See also monism materialism

Derived Forms

• ˌmentalˈistically, adverb
• ˌmentalˈistic, adjective
• ˈmentalist, noun

Other Words From

• mental·istic adjective
• mental·isti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of mentalism¹

First recorded in 1870–75; mental ¹ + -ism

Example Sentences

He gradually shifted from standard magic to mentalism.

From New York Times

Whether through tarot readings, sideshow mentalism or psychoanalysis, “Nightmare Alley” frequently reaches toward the unknowable.

From Los Angeles Times

Both psychology and mentalism call for a level of heightened discernment, a Sherlock Holmes-ian ability to decipher the meaning of clothing, behavior and body language.

From Los Angeles Times

Without breaking stride, she answers that question with brisk detours into mind control, telepathy, mentalism and the like.

From New York Times

“In & Of Itself” reframes familiar tropes like card tricks, vanishing objects and stupendous feats of mentalism to new ends.

From New York Times