Dictionary
illusion
noun il·lu·sion \i-ˈlü-zhən\
: something that looks or seems different from what it is : something that is false or not real but that seems to be true or real
: an incorrect idea : an idea that is based on something that is not true
Full Definition of ILLUSION
1
a obsolete : the action of deceiving b (1) : the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled : misapprehension (2) : an instance of such deception
2
a (1) : a misleading image presented to the vision (2) : something that deceives or misleads intellectually b (1) : perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature (2) : hallucination 1 (3) : a pattern capable of reversible perspective
3
: a fine plain transparent bobbinet or tulle usually made of silk and used for veils, trimmings, and dresses
— il·lu·sion·al \-ˈlüzh-nəl, -ˈlü-zhə-nəl\ adjective
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Illustration of ILLUSION
Origin of ILLUSION
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin illusion-, illusio, from Latin, action of mocking, from illudere to mock at, from in- + ludere to play, mock — more at ludicrous
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to ILLUSION
Synonym Discussion of ILLUSION
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>.
Other Psychology Terms
Rhymes with ILLUSION
affusion, allusion, Carthusian, collusion, conclusion, confusion, contusion, delusion, diffusion, effusion, elusion, exclusion, extrusion, inclusion, infusion, intrusion, Malthusian, obtrusion, occlusion, perfusion, prelusion, profusion, prolusion, protrusion, reclusion, seclusion, transfusion, Venusian
ILLUSION Defined for Kids
illusion
noun il·lu·sion \i-ˈlü-zhən\
Definition of ILLUSION for Kids
1
: something that is false or unreal but seems to be true or real <The video game creates the illusion of flying.>
2
: a mistaken idea <She had no illusions about her chances of winning.>
Medical Dictionary
illusion
noun il·lu·sion \il-ˈü-zhən\
Medical Definition of ILLUSION
1
: a misleading image presented as a visual stimulus
2
a : perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature; especially : optical illusion—compare delusion 2 b : hallucination 1 c : a pattern capable of reversible perspective
—il·lu·sion·al \-ˈüzh-nəl, -ən-əl\ adjective
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