hypnosis

noun

hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
plural hypnoses hip-ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
Synonyms of hypnosisnext
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
3
: hypnotism sense 1

Synonyms of hypnosis

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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.
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Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Where did the hypnosis fail to work? — Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 June 2026 Sexy, blasé dancefloor hypnosis has clearly worked for Fcukers. — Lydia Wei, Pitchfork, 31 Mar. 2026 That imagery in general is like the classic hypnosis spiral. — Danny Klein, SPIN, 13 Apr. 2026 But even when, under the influence of hypnosis, Lilian gains access to her past lives and deep emotions, part of her remains at a remove. — Mick Lasalle, Houston Chronicle, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypnosis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypnosis was in 1876

Phrases Containing hypnosis

Rhymes for hypnosis

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Browse Nearby Words

Hypnos
hypnosis
hypnosperm
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Cite this Entry

“Hypnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypnosis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

hypnosis

noun
hyp·​no·​sis hip-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
plural hypnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
plural hypnoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce hypnosis (audio)
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
3
: hypnotism sense 1

More from Merriam-Webster on hypnosis

Nglish: Translation of hypnosis for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about hypnosis

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