hypnosis

hyp·no·sis   (hĭp-nō'sĭs)    n.   pl. hyp·no·ses (-sēz) An artificially induced altered state of consciousness, characterized by heightened suggestibility and receptivity to direction. Hypnotism. A sleeplike condition.

hypnosis

Placing persons in a drowsy, sleeplike state in which they allegedly become vulnerable to the suggestions made by the hypnotist. Hypnosis may also be used to tap into the unconscious and is often characterized by vivid recall of memories and fantasies. These properties make hypnosis a useful tool in psychotherapy. Hypnosis also has sinister implications, for subjects may be manipulated to perform embarrassing actions or be susceptible to carrying out the hypnotist's commands after the hypnosis session (posthypnotic suggestion).

hypnosis 

Main Entry: hyp·no·sis
Pronunciation: hip-'nO-s&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural hyp·no·ses /-"sEz/
1 : a state that resembles sleep but is induced by a person whose suggestions are readily accepted by the subject
2 : any of various conditions that resemblesleep
3 : HYPNOTISM 1

hypnosis hyp·no·sis (hĭp-nō'sĭs)
n. pl. hyp·no·ses (-sēz)

1. A trancelike state resembling somnambulism, usually induced by another person, in which the subject may experience forgotten or suppressed memories, hallucinations, and heightened suggestibility.

2. A sleeplike state or condition.

3. Hypnotism.

hypnosis   (hĭp-nō'sĭs)  Pronunciation Key  A trancelike state resembling sleep, usually induced by a therapist by focusing a subject's attention, that heightens the subject's receptivity to suggestion. The uses of hypnosis in medicine and psychology include recovering repressed memories, modifying or eliminating undesirable behavior (such as smoking), and treating certain chronic disorders, such as anxiety.