hypnosis
B2Formal / Technical / Clinical
Definition
Meaning
An artificially induced state of consciousness in which a person is highly responsive to suggestions, characterised by deep relaxation and focused attention.
The process or technique of inducing this state; the associated clinical or therapeutic practice; by extension, a state of rapt attention or fascination.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily refers to the state itself or the practice. The related agent noun is 'hypnotist' and the verb is 'hypnotize' (US) / 'hypnotise' (UK).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning. Spelling of related verb: UK 'hypnotise', US 'hypnotize'. Pronunciation differences are minor (see IPA).
Connotations
Equally connotes medical/therapeutic contexts, stage entertainment, or a metaphorical trance-like state in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency. Slightly more common in therapeutic/psychological discourse than in general conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N underwent hypnosis for [purpose]The hypnosis helped N to [verb]N is a specialist in hypnosisN used hypnosis on someoneVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “like being under hypnosis (in a fascinated, uncritical state)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Possibly in context of persuasive marketing techniques ('the hypnosis of advertising').
Academic
Common in psychology, medicine, neuroscience, and psychotherapy literature discussing consciousness and treatment modalities.
Everyday
Used when discussing therapy for habits (e.g., quitting smoking), stage shows, or metaphorically for intense focus/fascination.
Technical
Precise term in clinical psychology and psychiatry for a therapeutic procedure, often part of Cognitive Behavioural Hypnotherapy.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The therapist used hypnosis to help manage her chronic pain.
- Stage hypnosis can be quite entertaining if done ethically.
- He recalled the details clearly while under hypnosis.
American English
- Hypnosis is often covered as a treatment for anxiety by some insurance plans.
- The police consulted an expert in forensic hypnosis.
- Her focus was so intense it was like a form of self-hypnosis.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The magician used hypnosis in his show.
- She watched the swinging clock and felt sleepy.
- Some people try hypnosis to help them stop smoking.
- He was in a deep state of hypnosis and followed all instructions.
- The study examined the efficacy of clinical hypnosis for treating irritable bowel syndrome.
- Under hypnosis, patients can sometimes access forgotten memories.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'hypnotist' holding a watch on a 'NO-SIS'ter (like a pendulum) saying 'You are getting sleepy...' => hyp-NO-sis.
Conceptual Metaphor
HYPNOSIS IS A JOURNEY INTO THE MIND; HYPNOSIS IS A TOOL FOR UNLOCKING THE SUBCONSCIOUS.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calque from 'гипноз' where a simpler word like 'trance' or 'suggestion' might be more natural in non-technical contexts.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hypnosis' as a verb (correct verb is 'hypnotize'). Confusing 'hypnosis' (state) with 'hypnotism' (practice/art). Incorrect article use: 'He is under the hypnosis' (correct: 'under hypnosis' or 'in a hypnosis').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of the state of hypnosis?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, hypnosis is not sleep. It is a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and deep relaxation where the person is typically fully aware but less critical of external suggestions.
No. A person under hypnosis retains their moral compass and free will. They cannot be made to do something they would strongly object to in a normal state.
Both involve focused attention, but meditation is generally self-directed and aims for mindfulness or stillness. Hypnosis is typically other-directed (by a hypnotist or recording) with a specific goal of change or access to the subconscious via suggestions.
Yes, clinical hypnosis (or hypnotherapy) is an evidence-based complementary therapy recognised by many professional medical and psychological bodies for conditions like pain, anxiety, phobias, and habit control.