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

Those sensations trended toward a broader embrace — and appropriation — of Eastern culture among American artists.

From Salon

Baci won a competition for her version of jollof rice in 2021, and then became a national sensation in 2023 when she claimed the world cooking marathon record - an exhausting 93 hours and 11 minutes.

From BBC

Instead, I’d laugh, cooing for more lemon to revel in those strong sensations over and over again.

From Salon

The Taylors began performing impromptu shows in New York City subways and became international sensations in 2018 when a video of them playing “Eight Days a Week” went viral.

From Salon

Social media sensation Ilona Maher - who has nearly nine million followers across her Instagram, TikTok and X channels - made clear before USA's opening game against England that she wanted her rugby to do the talking.

From BBC

Related Words

• emotion 
• impression 
• passion 
• sense 
• sensitivity