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

• 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

“We’re tighter. It’s like, damn near we got telekinesis out there more so than last year,” Rousseau said.

From Washington Times • Sep. 27, 2023

The movie script Tommy and Will are trying to sell centres on Roger Mitchell, a hero named after his teddy bear, who has three super powers - reading peoples' minds, changing peoples' minds and telekinesis.

From BBC • Aug. 20, 2023

“Telepathy, telekinesis, and many more things are all possible.”

From New York Times • Jan. 15, 2022

You’re in for an incredible RPG experience packed with adventure, gunfights, telekinesis, ethical quandaries, space politics, and romanceable aliens.

From Slate • May 18, 2021

“But if I had telekinesis, I could just move myself around. Then I could fly too,” I say.

From "Free Lunch" by Rex Ogle