hypnosis
noun
hyp·no·sis
hip-ˈnō-səs 
plural hypnoses
hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz
1
: a trancelike state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2
: any of various conditions that resemble sleep
Examples of hypnosis in a Sentence
He underwent hypnosis to treat his fear of water.
While under hypnosis, she described the horrific accident in detail.
Recent Examples on the Web
In early March 2024, McIlroy experimented with hypnosis.
—
Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
But his arrival shifts the film’s entire mood, as his baritone murmurings cast a sort of hypnosis on Clarence.
—Beatrice Loayza, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
How does hypnosis for a sugar addiction work?
—Aviel Kanter, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025
Cohen wore several hats as a physician, working for family, clinical hypnosis and geriatric practices throughout his career.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypnosis
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Gabby Herzig, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
But his arrival shifts the film’s entire mood, as his baritone murmurings cast a sort of hypnosis on Clarence.
—Beatrice Loayza, The Atlantic, 8 Apr. 2025
How does hypnosis for a sugar addiction work?
—Aviel Kanter, Glamour, 20 Feb. 2025
Cohen wore several hats as a physician, working for family, clinical hypnosis and geriatric practices throughout his career.
—Noah Lyons, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypnosis
Cite this Entry
“Hypnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnosis. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
hypnosis
noun
hyp·no·sis
hip-ˈnō-səs
plural hypnoses
-ˈnō-ˌsēz
: a trancelike state resembling sleep that is caused in a person by another whose suggestions are readily accepted and acted upon by the person in this state
Etymology
scientific Latin hypnosis "hypnosis," derived from Greek hypnos "sleep," from Hypnos "the Greek god of sleep"
Medical Definition
hypnosis
noun
hyp·no·sis
hip-ˈnō-səs
plural hypnoses
-ˌsēz
1
: a trancelike state of altered consciousness that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2
: any of various conditions that resemble sleep
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