hypnosis
UK[hɪpˈnəʊsɪs]US[hɪpˈnoʊsɪs]
n
a mental state like sleep in which a person's thoughts and actions can be influenced by someone else.
n
the process or act of hypnotizing someone.
Morpheme Breakdown
hypno
sis
hypno
sleep
sis
state or condition
Etymology
the word hypnosis is a modern scientific term directly constructed from classical greek components. it is built upon 'hypnos', the greek god and personification of sleep, combined with the abstract noun-forming suffix '-sis'. this formation, meaning 'a sleep-like condition', was coined in the 19th century by the surgeon james braid. he sought a precise, classical term to describe the trance state induced by focused attention, which he initially (and mistakenly) believed to be a form of nervous sleep. thus, the literal greek concept of 'sleep' evolved into the modern abstract meaning of a focused, suggestible psychological state.
Analysis
Structure: hypno (sleep) + sis (state or condition)
hypno originates from the greek 'hypnos', meaning sleep, and functions as a combining form denoting sleep. sis originates from the greek suffix '-sis', indicating a state, condition, or action, and functions as a noun-forming suffix.
Examples
the therapist used hypnosis to help the patient manage chronic pain.
she was in a deep state of hypnosis and was very responsive to suggestions.
the stage show claimed to demonstrate the power of mass hypnosis.