optical illusion

American  

noun

1. illusion4

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optical illusion British  

noun

1. an object causing a false visual impression

2. an instance of deception by such an object

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Etymology

Origin of optical illusion

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

By presenting Satan's fall as a violent physical event instead of a purely spiritual allegory or optical illusion, Dante may have helped move Western thought toward the idea that celestial objects can directly reshape Earth.

From Science Daily • May 11, 2026

This is actually something of an optical illusion, for the options are not getting more expensive in terms of price as the earnings date approaches.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 9, 2026

Doing something your brain tells you is structurally impossible was like inhabiting an optical illusion and we all laughed as we scaled the multi-tiered falls with the occasional assistance of a tethered rope.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 28, 2026

Stormont officials have commissioned consultants to help address an "optical illusion" along a Belfast footpath that has caused pedestrians to trip and fall.

From BBC • Feb. 21, 2025

“Like you said, it’s not magic. Must be something like our sky turning gray. Some kind of optical illusion or hologram, hiding a doorway. This place is all jacked up.”

From "The Maze Runner" by James Dashner