ASMR

American  

abbreviation

1. autonomous sensory meridian response: a sensory phenomenon that occurs in response to low-volume audio stimuli, comprising a tingling sensation in the scalp, and sometimes including the neck or the back along the spine, along with a trancelike state of deep relaxation.

---

noun

1. a genre of audio or video recording featuring gentle whispers, crinkling paper, tapping fingers, or buzzing sounds that are intended to elicit a pleasurable or relaxing autonomous sensory meridian response.

   I go to sleep every night listening to ASMR now.

Etymology

Origin of ASMR

First recorded in 2010–15; by abbreviation

Example Sentences

ASMR, or autonomous sensory meridian response, is the pleasurable tingling feeling brought on by gentle auditory, visual or tactile stimuli — think the sound of cellophane wrap crinkling, oil droplets sizzling, fingernails rhythmically tapping a desktop or a hairbrush swooshing through thick, wavy locks.

From Los Angeles Times

“ASMR is the complete opposite — we use light sensory touch to relieve stress. We’re not kneading or applying pressure or manipulating your joints. It’s surface touch. We have so many nerves in our body and they’re all firing — it takes your body out of fight or flight.”

From Los Angeles Times

Kas Wellness may be rooted in ASMR, but the overall effect feels more robust: part high-end massage studio, part spa, part sound bath destination and part meditation center.

From Los Angeles Times

“ASMR is such a universal thing,” Faraji says.

From Los Angeles Times

It is a kitchen of clicks and clacks, of ASMR, of packets ripped open and weekly restock hauls.

From Slate