phantasmagoric

American  

[fan-taz-muh-gawr-ik, -gor-] / fænˌtæz məˈgɔr ɪk, -ˈgɒr- /

Also phantasmagorical sometimes phantasmagorial

adjective

1. having a fantastic or deceptive appearance, as something in a dream or created by the imagination.

2. having the appearance of an optical illusion, especially one produced by a magic lantern.

3. changing or shifting, as a scene made up of many elements.

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Other Word Forms

• phantasmagorially adverb
• phantasmagorianly adverb
• phantasmagorically adverb

Etymology

Origin of phantasmagoric

First recorded in 1800–10; phantasmagor(ia) ( def. ) + -ic ( def. )

Example Sentences

The pair behind ‘Little Amélie or the Character of Rain’ discuss how they combined real-life inspiration and metaphysical subject matter in their ‘phantasmagoric’ new film.

From Los Angeles Times

In crafting what Vallade calls the “phantasmagoric imagery” that conveys Amélie’s euphoria and melancholy, the color palette played a critical role.

From Los Angeles Times

Ali makes these sort of phantasmagoric horror films, in a way.

From Los Angeles Times

Set in the aftermath of the first movie, the sequel resumes the story boldly and quickly, delivering visions both phantasmagoric and familiar.

From New York Times

The costumes of the cachaceros, representing Africans, are phantasmagoric confections of old jaguar pelts, caiman skulls and peccary teeth.

From New York Times