simulation

[sim-yuh-ley-shuhn]

noun

1. imitation or enactment, as of something anticipated or in testing.

2. the act or process of pretending; feigning.

3. an assumption or imitation of a particular appearance or form; counterfeit; sham.

4. Psychiatry.,  a conscious attempt to feign some mental or physical disorder to escape punishment or to gain a desired objective.

5. the representation of the behavior or characteristics of one system through the use of another system, especially a computer program designed for the purpose.

Other Word Forms

• nonsimulation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of simulation¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English simulacion, from Latin simulātiōn- (stem of simulātiō ) “a pretense”; simulate, -ion

Example Sentences

The film preaches that message, while “Peacemaker” surreptitiously places the audience inside its version of a “What If . . .” simulation.

From Salon

It was a contentious decision, as Nicolas Dominguez was penalised for simulation after he had cleared the ball just outside his area before seemingly being caught by Trai Hume, attempting to block.

From BBC

In a hypothetical magnitude 7.8 earthquake on the San Andreas fault, it is plausible that five steel-moment-frame buildings — containing about 5,000 people — could completely collapse, according to a simulation from the U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

At 77, he did more of his own stunts than originally intended and said he lost 60% of hearing in one ear after high pressure water was sprayed onto him during a storm simulation.

From Los Angeles Times

A simulation laboratory that can be used to recreate emergency childbirth situations for staff learning in a risk-free environment is revolutionising maternity training in Birmingham, the NHS has said.

From BBC

Related Words

• reproduction