sensation

[sen-sey-shuhn]

noun

1. the operation or function of the senses; perception or awareness of stimuli through the senses.

2. a mental condition or physical feeling resulting from stimulation of a sense organ or from internal bodily change, as cold or pain.

3. Physiology.,  the faculty of perception of stimuli.

4. a general feeling not directly attributable to any given stimulus, as discomfort, anxiety, or doubt.

5. a mental feeling, especially a state of excited feeling.

6. a state of excited feeling or interest caused among a number of persons or throughout a community, as by some rumor or occurrence.

   Synonyms: perturbation, commotion, agitation, animation, stimulation, excitement

7. a cause of such feeling or interest.

   The new Brazilian movie was the sensation of the film festival.

sensation

/ sɛnˈseɪʃən /

noun

1. the power of perceiving through the senses

2. a physical condition or experience resulting from the stimulation of one of the sense organs

   a sensation of warmth

3. a general feeling or awareness

   a sensation of fear

4. a state of widespread public excitement

   his announcement caused a sensation

5. anything that causes such a state

   your speech was a sensation

Other Word Forms

• sensationless adjective
• nonsensation noun
• resensation noun
• subsensation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensation¹

First recorded in 1605–15; from Medieval Latin sēnsātiōn- (stem of sēnsātiō ), equivalent to Late Latin sēnsāt(us) sensate + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of sensation¹

C17: from Medieval Latin sensātiō, from Late Latin sensātus _sensate

Synonym Study

See sense.

Example Sentences

But Davidson has no interest in being compared to the Trojans’ last top prospect, who became an instant sensation as a freshman.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The brainstem functions as the main communication pathway between the brain and spinal cord, directing signals that control thought, sensation, and survival responses.

Read more on Science Daily

As participants moved their heads, the on-screen image mirrored their movements, creating the sensation that the childlike face was truly theirs.

Read more on Science Daily

Dr Xand says it's important to "focus on the sensation of the bristles" and approach tooth brushing mindfully, not scrolling on your phone at the same time.

Read more on BBC

When we’re feeling flush, a sensation most of us haven’t enjoyed in quite some time, some of us invest in matching plates and flatware.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• emotion 
• impression 
• passion 
• sense 
• sensitivity