Langimage
English

hallucinate

|hal/lu/ci/nate|

C1

/həˈluːsɪneɪt/

perceiving unreal

Etymology
Etymology Information

'hallucinate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'hallucinari,' where 'hallucinari' meant 'to wander in the mind.'

Historical Evolution

'hallucinari' transformed into the French word 'halluciner,' and eventually became the modern English word 'hallucinate' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to wander in the mind,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to experience a false perception.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Verb 1

to experience a seemingly real perception of something not actually present, typically as a result of a mental disorder or the effect of drugs.

After taking the medication, he began to hallucinate.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/26 12:21