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hallucination

noun
hal·​lu·​ci·​na·​tion | \ hə-ˌlü-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce hallucination (audio) \

Definition of hallucination

1a : perception of objects with no reality usually arising from disorder of the nervous system or in response to drugs (such as LSD) was having hallucinations
b : the object so perceived wasn't sure if the rain was real or a hallucination
2 : an unfounded or mistaken impression or notion : delusion
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about hallucination

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Choose the Right Synonym for hallucination

delusion, illusion, hallucination, mirage mean something that is believed to be true or real but that is actually false or unreal. delusion implies an inability to distinguish between what is real and what only seems to be real, often as the result of a disordered state of mind. delusions of persecution illusion implies a false ascribing of reality based on what one sees or imagines. an illusion of safety hallucination implies impressions that are the product of disordered senses, as because of mental illness or drugs. suffered from terrifying hallucinations mirage in its extended sense applies to an illusory vision, dream, hope, or aim. claimed a balanced budget is a mirage

Examples of hallucination in a Sentence

He could not tell if what he was seeing was real or if it was a hallucination. He has been having hallucinations due to the medication.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Together, the substances interact to cause powerful hallucinations along with nausea and vomiting. — Erin Blakemore, National Geographic, "Ancient hallucinogens found in 1,000-year-old shamanic pouch," 6 May 2019 Hiscock was diagnosed with bipolar disorder type 1 and was subject to hallucinations and odd behavior as a result of his illness, which was treated with the medication Abilify. — Sam Stanton, sacbee, "‘I had a purple elephant in my throat.’ Berkeley literature grad dies alone in Yuba County jail," 2 Feb. 2018 Paul Tarashuk had schizoaffective disorder, suffering delusions and hallucinations. — Jim Axelrod, CBS News, "Man suffering psychotic breakdown left alone near highway by South Carolina first responders," 31 July 2019 Death is often preceded by seizures, pain, and hallucinations. — James Gorman, New York Times, "Rabies Kills Tens of Thousands Yearly. Vaccinating Dogs Could Stop It.," 22 July 2019 Stanford University scientists triggered visual hallucinations in mice by activating a few brain cells with a light signal. — Karen Weintraub, Scientific American, "How to Make a Mouse Hallucinate," 19 July 2019 Symptoms include dizziness, disorientation, agitation, confusion, sluggishness, seizure, hot dry skin that’s flushed but not sweaty, a loss of consciousness, rapid heart beat and hallucinations. — Jacob Beltran, ExpressNews.com, "Education not enough as hot car deaths continue in Texas," 16 July 2019 He was hospitalized three times last year as a result of hallucinations from heavy drug use, twice in London and once in Canada, said Mr. Swedaan, who blamed the drugs for Mr. Truaxe’s downward spiral. — Rolfe Winkler, WSJ, "Beyond the Confetti: The Dark Side of Startup Success," 12 July 2019 Large numbers of demented gun owners experience delusions and hallucinations. — Rafil Kroll-zaidi, Harper's magazine, "Findings," 10 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hallucination.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of hallucination

1629, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for hallucination

see hallucinate

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More Definitions for hallucination

hallucination

noun
How to pronounce hallucination (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of hallucination

: something (such as an image, a sound, or a smell) that seems real but does not really exist and that is usually caused by mental illness or the effect of a drug

See the full definition for hallucination in the English Language Learners Dictionary

hallucination

noun
hal·​lu·​ci·​na·​tion | \ hə-ˌlü-sə-ˈnā-shən How to pronounce hallucination (audio) \

Kids Definition of hallucination

: the seeing of objects or the experiencing of feelings that are not real but are usually the result of mental disorder or the effect of a drug

hallucination

noun
hal·​lu·​ci·​na·​tion | \ hə-ˌlüs-ᵊn-ˈā-shən How to pronounce hallucination (audio) \

Medical Definition of hallucination

1 : a perception of something (as a visual image or a sound) with no external cause usually arising from a disorder of the nervous system (as in delirium tremens or in functional psychosis without known neurological disease) or in response to drugs (as LSD) — compare delusion sense 2, illusion sense 2a
2 : the object of a hallucinatory perception

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