illusion

[ih-loo-zhuhn]

noun

1. something that deceives by producing a false or misleading impression of reality.

   Synonyms: chimera, fantasy, aberration

2. the state or condition of being deceived; misapprehension.

3. an instance of being deceived.

4. Psychology.,  a perception, as of visual stimuli optical illusion, that represents what is perceived in a way different from the way it is in reality.

5. a very thin, delicate tulle of silk or nylon having a cobwebbed appearance, for trimmings, veilings, and the like.

6. Obsolete.,  the act of deceiving; deception; delusion.

illusion

/ ɪˈluːʒən /

noun

1. a false appearance or deceptive impression of reality

   the mirror gives an illusion of depth

2. a false or misleading perception or belief; delusion

   he has the illusion that he is really clever

3. psychol a perception that is not true to reality, having been altered subjectively in some way in the mind of the perceiver See also hallucination

4. a very fine gauze or tulle used for trimmings, veils, etc

Other Word Forms

• illusioned adjective
• illusionary adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of illusion¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English from Latin illūsiōn- (stem of illūsiō ) “irony, mocking,” equivalent to illūs(us), past participle of illūdere “to mock, ridicule” ( il- il- ¹ + lūd- play ( ludicrous ) + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of illusion¹

C14: from Latin illūsiō deceit, from illūdere; see _illude

Synonym Study

illusion, hallucination, delusion refer to false perceptions or ideas. An illusion is a false mental image produced by misinterpretation of things that actually exist: A mirage is an illusion produced by reflection of light against the sky. A hallucination is a perception of a thing or quality that has no physical counterpart: Under the influence of LSD, Terry had hallucinations that the living-room floor was rippling. A delusion is a persistent false belief: A paranoiac has delusions of persecution.

Example Sentences

Through the mirror’s warp, this mutual curiosity between the viewer and the viewed is mediated by refractions, glimmers and illusions.

From Salon

The Moon does often look more reddish-orange nearer the horizon and this isn't a illusion.

From BBC

But researchers like Prof Pepin-Neff say the nets aren't very effective, and give the illusion of safety rather than delivering a real reduction in risk.

From BBC

Whilst this is progress, I am under no illusion that this clear-out is complete; we are still arresting and dismissing officers weekly and we will be relentless until the job is finished.

From BBC

Our fascination with reality stars rests in the illusion that, if not for their endless money and couture bags, they’d be just like us.

From Salon

Related Words

• confusion 
• deception 
• delusion 
• fantasy 
• hallucination 
• image 
• misconception 
• myth 
• pipe dream 
• semblance