Definition of hypnosis Hypnosis

/hɪpnowˈsʌs/ - [hipnowsus] - hyp•no•sis

We found 7 definitions of hypnosis from 6 different sources.

What does hypnosis mean?

WordNet

Noun

Plural: hypnoses

hypnosis - a state that resembles sleep but that is induced by suggestion

mental condition, mental state, psychological condition, psychological state (psychology) a mental condition in which the qualities of a state are relatively constant even though the state itself may be dynamic; "a manic state"

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Wiktionary

hypnosis (Noun)
A trancelike state, artificially induced, in which a person has a heightened suggestibility, and in which suppressed memories may be experienced.
hypnosis (Noun)
The art or skill of hypnotism.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

hypnosis (n.)
Supervention of sleep.

OmegaWiki DictionaryOmegaWiki Dictionary Ω

hypnosis
a state of increased receptivity to suggestion and direction

Wikipedia

Hypnosis means putting someone (or yourself) into a trance and sending messages through to their brain while they are in this semi-conscious (half-aware) state. With two people, the person sending the message is called the "hypnotist" and the person getting the message is called the "subject." "Suggestions," or "hypnotic suggestions" are what the hypnotist says to the subject. With one person, the entire practice is called "self-hypnosis" or sometimes "auto-suggestion."

History.

There seem to be many ideas about how hypnosis started. The Hindus of India claim that they started the method and used it as a cure for health. This is one of the main uses of hypnosis today and is linked to psychology.

But the main hypnosis discoveries came in 1842 when James Braid started to learn more about its effects. He is often called the 'Father of Modern Hypnotism'. He did not think that mesmerism was the cause of hypnosis and in the end he thought that trances were only a 'nervous sleep'. In 1843 he wrote a book about this with the title "Neurypnology".

Method.

Most often, the hypnotist gives suggestions to the subject to put the subject in trance. In trance, the subject does not make decisions about the truth of the hypnotist's suggestions: If trance is reached -- it is not always -- the subject will accept as true anything the hypnotist says, unless it goes against the subject's core beliefs. This is the heart of hypnosis: to put the subject in trance so he will accept suggestions.

Hypnos