hallucination

Definition

A sensory perception of something that does not exist, often arising from disorder of the nervous system, as in delirium tremens.

Etymology

Derives from the verb hallucinate, from Latin hallucinatus. Compare French hallucination. The first known usage in the English language is from Sir Thomas Browne.

Example Sentences

• "Hallucinations are always evidence of cerebral derangement and are common phenomena of insanity."
• "The authorities said that the spinach had caused “possible food-related toxic reactions” with those affected experiencing symptoms including delirium, hallucinations, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat and fever."
• "This must have been the hallucination of the transcriber."