hallucination
UK: həˌluːsɪˈneɪʃən | US: həˌluːsɪˈneɪʃən
n. a false perception of objects or events, often involving vivid sensory experiences (e.g., seeing or hearing things that are not present)
n. a delusional or misleading mental impression
The word "hallucination" traces back to the Latin alucinari (to wander in mind, dream), influenced by the Greek alyein (to be distraught). The prefix "hal-" (variant of "al-") merged with the suffix "-ation" in Late Latin hallucinatio, evolving into the modern English term. The core idea of "mental wandering" reflects the word's enduring link to deceptive perceptions.
The fever caused vivid hallucinations of floating lights.
Prolonged sleep deprivation can trigger auditory hallucinations.
Ancient shamans interpreted hallucinations as spiritual visions.
The patient described recurring hallucinations of whispering voices.
Scientists study how the brain generates hallucinations under stress.