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

What is known is that suicidal ideation can look very different in autistic kids.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Hodgson’s parents told police their son “had been depressed since being on administrative leave, but they stated he was not suicidal and did not have any suicidal ideations,” according to the report.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In the fashion industry, it takes around six months to design and produce a collection of clothing, from ideation and concept building to the day items end up in stores and online.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In this refined analysis, early benefits were seen in feelings of sadness, self-criticism, restlessness, and suicidal ideation.

Read more on Science Daily

OpenAI this week released data suggesting that more than 1 million people using its generative AI chatbot weekly have expressed suicidal ideation.

Read more on Barron's

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.