[ noun ] a state that resembles sleep but that is induced by suggestion <noun.state>
Hypnosis \Hyp*no"sis\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. ? sleep.] 1. (Med.) Supervention of sleep.
2. The condition of being hypnotized or the process of hypnotizing a person; hypnotism[1]. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]
Hypnotism \Hyp"no*tism\, n. [Gr. ? sleep: cf. F. hypnotisme.] 1. A form of sleep or trance, in some respects resembling somnambulism, but brought on by artificial means, in which there is an unusual suspension of some powers, and an unusual activity of others, especially a heightened susceptibility to suggestion. It is induced by an action upon the nerves, through the medium of the senses, by causing the subject to gaze steadily at a very bright object held before the eyes, or on an oscillating object, or by pressure upon certain points of the surface of the body, usually accompanied by the speaking of the hypnotist in quiet soothing tones. Called also {hypnosis}. [1913 Webster +PJC]
2. The science which deals with the induction and properties of the hypnotic state. [PJC]
Mesmerism \Mes"mer*ism\, n. [From Mesmer, who first brought it into notice at Vienna, about 1775: cf. F. mesm['e]risme.] An earlier name for {hypnosis} or {hypnotism}, the art of inducing an extraordinary or abnormal state of the nervous system, in which the actor claims to control the actions, and communicate directly with the mind, of the recipient. It is believed to be a state between sleep and wakefulness, in which a person is more susceptible to suggestion than when awake. See {Animal magnetism}, under {Magnetism}.
A message scrawled on the bathroom mirror in lipstick said, "I took what you loved most." Police suspected Ms. Burns shot her sons and planned to ask her to submit to hypnosis after she passed lie detector and voice stress tests.
Use of hypnosis in fighting immune-related disease is among the most recent applications of the practice, which became popular in the late 18th century through the work of the Austrian physician Franz Mesmer.
Karen Olness, professor of pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, said she is "very optimistic" that hypnosis eventually may play a role in battling acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
Experiments indicate further that a witness's memory of a crime or a criminal's face can be changed by the way a detective questions the witness, by the way police organize a lineup, or by interrogating the witness under hypnosis.
The suits by the victims' survivors allege that Mrs. Hoffman used hypnosis to make her associates change their wills and insurance policies to favor her and her metaphysical organization, Conscious Development of Body, Mind and Soul Inc.
Under hypnosis, Mrs. Burns identified the assailant as "Katie" and also referred to herself at one point by the same name, the police said.
Throughout the 10-week trial, spectators crowded into the courtroom to hear watch videotaped hypnosis sessions and hear testimony on everything from multiple personalities to cannibalism and the meaning of truth.
About 600 physicians, psychotherapists and dentists discussed and demonstrated modern applications of hypnosis during the International Congress of Hypnosis and Psychosomatic Medicine, which ended Tuesday.
Gail Rentzer, an Encino, Calif., lawyer who underwent hypnosis and took vitamins to increase her memory for the exam, passed it in 1984 on her fourth try.
"One lady wanted to hold a mass positive thinking seminar for the fans and the club," Ms. Waters said. "One lady recommended hypnosis.
The topic is hypnosis, and for best results, finish reading this story.
Crown Books Corp., the big Landover, Md., bookstore concern, is selling four times more books and tapes for self-help hypnosis freaks than two years ago.
Smokers looking to kick the habit have enlisted any number of weapons in the battle: nicotine chewing gum, hypnosis, even electric shock treatments.
Defendant's Testimony The justices ruled 5-4 that states can't prohibit defendants from testifying in their own behalf simply because their memory has been aided by hypnosis.
Forster said he had been able to overcome a drinking problem, but could never quit the highly addictive leaf, despite hypnosis and acupuncture treatment.
Selig said that about a month ago during hypnosis, Doe began to recall certain details of his life, such as a U.S. Army serial number, a farm scene, and the first names of his parents.
Jurors said defense testimony of videotapes showing Bonney under hypnosis by clinical psychologist Paul F. Dell of Norfolk, Va., were not convincing.
During her third visit, Wineburg tested Iversen and decided she would not be a good candidate for deep hypnosis.
Rather, Dobraya said, techniques including hypnosis, group and individual psychotherapy and medications were emphasized in the Soviet Union.
Shawcross did not testify during the trial, but jurors watched videotapes of him being interviewed under hypnosis by Lewis.
These willing subjects are hoping that weekly doses of mass hypnosis will convince them they can pass the California bar exam, which 4,500 people will take this week.
Mr. Bates admits having violent outbreaks in his sleep, shortly after undergoing intense hypnosis sessions that programmed him to "rip off people's heads."
The officers concluded she had a split personality and regarded her statement under hypnosis as a confession.
In recent sessions, Selig had Doe draw things under hypnosis, including a detailed sketch of what appeared to be a map.