psychokinesis

American  

[sahy-koh-ki-nee-sis, -kahy-] / ˌsaɪ koʊ kɪˈni sɪs, -kaɪ- /

noun

1. the purported ability to move or deform inanimate objects, as metal spoons, through mental processes.

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psychokinesis British  

/ ˌsaɪkəʊkɪˈniːsɪs, -kaɪ-, ˌsaɪkəʊkɪˈnɛtɪk /

noun

1. (in parapsychology) alteration of the state of an object by mental influence alone, without any physical intervention

2. psychiatry a state of violent uncontrolled motor activity

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Other Word Forms

• psychokinetic adjective

Etymology

Origin of psychokinesis

First recorded in 1910–15; psycho- + -kinesis

Example Sentences

His acts - which he attributed to psychokinesis and telepathy - included bending spoons and keys, making clocks stop or run faster, and describing hidden drawings.

From BBC

Roll believed that a poltergeist — literally translated from German as a “knocking spirit” — was caused by psychokinesis, an unproven psychic ability that allows individuals to move objects by the mind.

From Seattle Times

“All those who believe in psychokinesis, raise my right hand.”

From New York Times

They were tested for four years by the laboratory staff and appeared to be able to perform the standard repertoire of psychic feats, including psychokinesis, telepathy and clairvoyance.

From The Guardian

Maybe it is psychokinesis: the participants are influencing the computer's random photo generator to show erotic images when they want to see one.

From Time