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

• illusionary adjective
• illusioned 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

There’s a volatility illusion that has made it attractive for investors.

Read more on Barron's

But the New York lawsuit alleges that these tools are deficient, and create the illusion of control, for parents.

Read more on Barron's

To be cast, you will be asked to sign an NDA that legally requires you to maintain this illusion.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

So much for the illusion of golf as the “gentleman’s game.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Velasco seems to be under no illusion that his beloved land, and culture, would remain untouched by progress.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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