hallucination

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'hallucination' is correct and can be used in written English.
In its most basic definition, a hallucination is a sensory experience of something that does not exist outside of the person's own mind. For example, you might say "The patient was experiencing vivid hallucinations of monsters attacking her in her bed."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The particular subjective perspective that a hallucinator has in a causally matching hallucination as of a snow covered churchyard is explained just by the obtaining of this negative epistemic condition.

SEP

We go on hallucinating about what we can do".And it is a dangerous hallucination.

The Economist

Call this 'the principle of intentionality.' If, in hallucinating the pink elephant, there were not some object of my hallucination I would not be having a perception at all.

SEP

Further proof of this thesis came on 20 April, when former planning minister Nick Boles appeared to be having a Game of Thrones-inspired hallucination.

The Guardian

The most notable of these is the utterly ludicrous deus ex machina scene in which Stone's dead colleague, played by George Clooney, appears in a hallucination and conveniently tells her exactly which buttons to press to escape, reminds her that life is worth living, and then disappears.

The Guardian - Film

These figures don't mean that if a child is having a hallucination that they are ill or unwell.

The Guardian

He experienced a mixture of euphoria, hallucination and incoherence, and an extremely rapid flow of ideas.

The Guardian - Books

That strange visitor, hallucination, had come to dwell within me".

The Guardian - Books

At some level, it even reminded me at times of Smile-era Beach Boys, and it does feel very much the product of a singular vision, or perhaps hallucination.

The Guardian - Music

Why, at two o'clock, has a busload of beautiful Asian women, well-behaved children and gently patriarchal men in blue shalwar kameez, all oscillating between Urdu and English, appeared at the coffee counter like a technicolour hallucination?

The Economist

ALL currencies involve some measure of consensual hallucination, but Bitcoin, a virtual monetary system, involves more than most.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing "hallucinations", be specific about the sensory modality involved (e.g., visual, auditory, tactile) to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "hallucination" loosely to describe simple acts of imagination or creativity. A "hallucination" involves a sensory experience that feels real but lacks external stimuli, distinguishing it from voluntary imaginative processes.

Linguistic Context

The word "hallucination" functions primarily as a noun. It refers to a sensory perception that occurs without external stimulation of the relevant sensory organ. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing medical conditions, psychological states, and even philosophical concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hallucination" is a noun that describes a sensory experience not based on external reality. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically correct and suitable for written English. This term is commonly used in scientific and news contexts to describe distortions of perception. When using "hallucination", be mindful of its clinical implications, as it often indicates a departure from normal sensory experiences. Consider alternatives like "sensory illusion" or "false perception" in less formal settings. While common, precision in describing the affected senses (e.g., auditory, visual) will greatly improve clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

auditory hallucination

Specifically describes the experience of hearing sounds that do not exist in reality.

tactile hallucination

Refers to the sensation of touch that has no external stimulus or cause.

sensory illusion

Focuses on the illusory nature of the sensory experience, emphasizing its deviation from reality.

false perception

Highlights the inaccurate or distorted nature of the perception being experienced.

mental apparition

Emphasizes the mental origin and ghostly quality of the perceived image.

visionary experience

Highlights the vivid and sometimes profound nature of the experience, often associated with altered states of consciousness.

phantasm

Refers to an illusion or apparition, often of supernatural origin or nature.

delirium

Indicates a state of confusion and disorientation, often accompanied by hallucinations and delusions.

daydream

Implies a waking fantasy or reverie, less intense and vivid than a hallucination.

optical illusion

Specifically refers to visual distortions that deceive the eye and brain.

FAQs

How is a "hallucination" different from an illusion?

A "hallucination" is a perception in the absence of an external stimulus, whereas an "illusion" is a misinterpretation of a real external stimulus.

What are some common causes of "hallucinations"?

"Hallucinations" can be caused by various factors, including mental disorders, neurological conditions, substance use, sleep deprivation, and certain medications.

What can I say instead of "hallucination" in less formal contexts?

In less formal contexts, you might use terms like "visionary experience" or "false perception", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Are all "hallucinations" indicative of a serious mental health problem?

While "hallucinations" can be a symptom of mental health conditions, they can also occur in other contexts, such as during intense grief, sensory deprivation, or as a result of certain medical conditions or medications.