telekinesis

American  

[tel-i-ki-nee-sis, -kahy-] / ˌtɛl ɪ kɪˈni sɪs, -kaɪ- /

noun

1. psychokinesis.

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telekinesis British  

/ -kaɪ-, ˌtɛlɪkɪˈnɛtɪk, -kaɪ-, ˌtɛlɪkɪˈniːsɪs /

noun

1. the movement of a body caused by thought or willpower without the application of a physical force

2. the ability to cause such movement

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• telekinetic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of telekinesis

First recorded in 1885–90; tele- ¹ + -kinesis

Compare meaning

How does telekinesis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• telepathy vs. telekinesis

Explanation

If you can make things move just by thinking about moving them, you can call your amazing ability telekinesis. While most people don't believe in telekinesis, there are those who feel strongly that some people can move or change objects with their minds. The study of this phenomenon is called "parapsychology," which includes things like mind reading and reincarnation as well. The term telekinesis was first used in 1890 by Alexander N. Aksakof, a Russian adviser to the Czar, who combined the Greek tele, "at a distance," with kinesis, "movement or motion."

Example Sentences

Michael Benjamin Lerner, as Telekinesis, covered Nirvana’s “On a Plain” for a “Nevermind” tribute record.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 30, 2014

Telekinesis has become a cautionary tale across America and there’s word of more children possessing its powers.

From Time • Sep. 26, 2013

Another phase of psychic astral phenomena which should be mentioned, although it is manifested but comparatively seldom, is that which has been called "Telekinesis."

From Clairvoyance and Occult Powers by Panchadasi, Swami

Telekinesis, tel-ē-ki-nē′sis, n. the production of motion without contact, through supra-physical causes, beyond the range of the senses.—adj.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various