hypnotherapy

noun

hyp·​no·​ther·​a·​py ˌhip-nō-ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce hypnotherapy (audio)
1
: treatment by hypnotism
2
: psychotherapy that facilitates suggestion, reeducation, or analysis by hypnosis
hypnotherapist
ˌhip-nō-ˈther-ə-pist How to pronounce hypnotherapy (audio)
noun

Examples of hypnotherapy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Yet one of the biggest misconceptions about hypnotherapy has remained the name itself. — Rustin Dodd, New York Times, 23 Oct. 2025 There are several different ways and techniques of using hypnotherapy to help with aerophobia. — Olivia Morelli, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 Feb. 2025 The Knix president says hypnotherapy removes the noise, and provides clarity on how to best approach what’s pressing. — Emma Burleigh, Fortune, 8 Feb. 2026 During a hypnotherapy session, a mental health provider makes suggestions that help the brain better regulate digestion. — Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypnotherapy

Word History

First Known Use

1897, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypnotherapy was in 1897

Rhymes for hypnotherapy

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Browse Nearby Words

hypnotherapeutic
hypnotherapy
hypnotic
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

hypnotherapy

noun
hyp·​no·​ther·​a·​py -ˈther-ə-pē How to pronounce hypnotherapy (audio)
plural hypnotherapies
1
: treatment by hypnotism
2
: psychotherapy that facilitates suggestion, reeducation, or analysis by means of hypnosis
hypnotherapeutic
-ˌther-ə-ˈpyüt-ik How to pronounce hypnotherapy (audio)
adjective
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