hypnosis
[ hip-noh-sis ]
/ hɪpˈnoʊ sɪs /
noun, plural hyp·no·ses [hip-noh-seez] /hɪpˈnoʊ siz/.
an artificially induced trance state resembling sleep, characterized by heightened susceptibility to suggestion.
Origin of hypnosis
First recorded in 1875–80;
hypn(otic) +
-osis
Words nearby hypnosis
hypnopaedia,
hypnopedia,
hypnophobia,
hypnopompic,
hypnos,
hypnosis,
hypnotherapy,
hypnotic,
hypnotism,
hypnotist,
hypnotize
Example sentences from the Web for hypnosis
British Dictionary definitions for hypnosis
hypnosis
/ (hɪpˈnəʊsɪs) /
noun plural -ses (-siːz)
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
Medical definitions for hypnosis
hypnosis
[ hĭp-nō′sĭs ]
n. pl. hyp•no•ses (-sēz)
A trancelike state resembling somnambulism, usually induced by another person, in which the subject may experience forgotten or suppressed memories, hallucinations, and heightened suggestibility.
A sleeplike state or condition.
Hypnotism.
Scientific definitions for hypnosis
hypnosis
[ hĭp-nō′sĭs ]
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.
Cultural definitions for hypnosis
hypnosis
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).