mirage

noun mi·rage \mə-ˈräzh\

: something (such as a pool of water in the middle of a desert) that is seen and appears to be real but that is not actually there

: something that you hope for or want but that is not possible or real

Full Definition of MIRAGE

: an optical effect that is sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over a hot pavement, that may have the appearance of a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are seen inverted, and that is caused by the bending or reflection of rays of light by a layer of heated air of varying density

: something illusory and unattainable like a mirage

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Origin of MIRAGE

French, from mirer to look at, from Latin mirari

First Known Use: 1803

Synonym Discussion of MIRAGE

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>.

Rhymes with MIRAGE

barrage, collage, corsage, dressage, frottage, garage, gavage, lavage, massage, ménage, montage, moulage, portage, potage, treillage, triage

MIRAGE Defined for Kids

mirage

noun mi·rage \mə-ˈräzh\

Definition of MIRAGE for Kids

: an illusion sometimes seen at sea, in the desert, or over hot pavement that looks like a pool of water or a mirror in which distant objects are glimpsed

Medical Dictionary