Hypnosis
/hɪpˈnoʊ.sɪs/noun
A state of consciousness characterized by focused attention and heightened suggestibility.
Did you know?The term 'hypnosis' was coined in the 19th century but is derived from the Greek word for sleep, 'hypnos', representing a bridge between waking and dream states, often explored in occult practices.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ὕπνος (hypnos)
“Sleep, the state of rest and unconsciousness.”
19th Century
English
hypnosis
“A term created by James Braid to describe a trance-like state resembling sleep.”
19th Century
English
hypnotism
“The practice of inducing hypnosis for therapeutic purposes.”
Modern English
English
hypnosis
“A widely recognized psychological technique for behavior modification and therapy.”
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