ideation

American  

[ahy-dee-ey-shuhn] / ˌaɪ diˈeɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the process of forming ideas or images.

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Usage

What does ideation mean? Ideation is the act or process of forming ideas or images in one’s mind. Warning: This article involves discussion of the sensitive topic of suicide. If you or someone you know needs support, call the toll-free, 24/7 National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. You can also text HOME to 741741 for free to get 24/7 support from the Crisis Text Line. The term ideation is especially used in the context of psychology to refer to thought processes focusing on a particular action, as in phrases like suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts) and violent ideation (thoughts about committing violence). Sometimes, ideation is used to refer to the kind of brainstorming done in a business setting to generate new ideas. Ideation is the noun form of the verb ideate, meaning to form ideas or to think. Example: During meditation, you are encouraged to refrain from ideation of any kind—clear your mind of all thoughts.

Etymology

Origin of ideation

First recorded in 1820–30; ideate + -ion

Explanation

Ideation is the act of coming up with an idea, like when a cartoon light bulb appears above someone’s head. If you imagine a flying car and think of how to make it, that's ideation. It's a creative process. Ideation might sound new, but the word has been around since the 1800's. It looks like a blend of idea and creation, and it is — a brainstorming session is a type of ideation. In medical speak, ideation is "the forming of mental images." In this sense the word is often paired with suicidal — suicidal ideation refers to someone thinking about killing herself. Sadly, that’s the most common use of ideation.

Related Words

• attention
• hope
• logic
• reflection
• speculation
• thinking
• understanding