ideation

[ahy-dee-ey-shuhn]

noun

1. the process of forming ideas or images.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ideation¹

First recorded in 1820–30; ideate + -ion

Example Sentences

To add suicidal ideation to the label -- but not as a formal warning.

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"Finally, there is a law that requires companies to protect their users who express suicidal ideations to chatbots."

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"At one point I drowned in suicidal ideation. It was despair. So I don't know that I coped. But I survived."

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“This is a miraculous thing,” said retired MMA fighter Tait Fletcher, who credits the treatment with freeing him from suicidal ideation.

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Many of them… had black box warnings that warn of suicidal ideation and homicidal ideation.

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Related Words

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

When To Use

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.