sensation

[ sen-sey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the operation or function of the senses; perception or awareness of stimuli through the senses.
2. a mental condition or physical feeling resulting from stimulation of a sense organ or from internal bodily change, as cold or pain.
3. Physiology. the faculty of perception of stimuli.
4. a general feeling not directly attributable to any given stimulus, as discomfort, anxiety, or doubt.
5. a mental feeling, especially a state of excited feeling.
6. a state of excited feeling or interest caused among a number of persons or throughout a community, as by some rumor or occurrence.

   Synonyms: stimulation, perturbation, commotion, agitation, animation, excitement

7. a cause of such feeling or interest:

   The new Brazilian movie was the sensation of the film festival.

sensation

/ sɛnˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. the power of perceiving through the senses
2. a physical condition or experience resulting from the stimulation of one of the sense organs

   a sensation of warmth

3. a general feeling or awareness

   a sensation of fear

4. a state of widespread public excitement

   his announcement caused a sensation

5. anything that causes such a state

   your speech was a sensation

Derived Forms

• senˈsationless, adjective

Other Words From

• sen·sation·less adjective
• nonsen·sation noun
• resen·sation noun
• subsen·sation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensation¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin sēnsātiōn- (stem of sēnsātiō ), equivalent to Late Latin sēnsāt(us) sensate + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensation¹

C17: from Medieval Latin sensātiō, from Late Latin sensātus sensate

Synonym Study

See sense.

Example Sentences

It made the 22-year-old, from Belfast, Tennessee, an overnight internet sensation.

From BBC

“We often placed the camera at different levels with the idea that this child is watching the adult world as he’s going through all these events. We wanted the sensation that it gets more difficult for him with each step.”

From Los Angeles Times

That stilted sensation comes up more than once in this well-meaning but often lackluster dance.

From New York Times

However, this effect eventually can wear off as the stomach becomes used to the sensation of fullness.

From Science Daily

Then a ringing sensation in his ears.

From BBC

Related Words

• emotion
• impression
• passion
• sense
• sensitivity