Definitions for: Illusion


[n] an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
[n] the act of deluding; deception by creating illusory ideas
[n] something many people believe that is false; "they have the illusion that I am very wealthy"
[n] an erroneous mental representation



Webster (1913) Definition: Il*lu"sion, n. [F. illusion, L. illusio, fr.
illudere, illusum, to illude. See Illude.]
1. An unreal image presented to the bodily or mental vision;
a deceptive appearance; a false show; mockery;
hallucination.

To cheat the eye with blear illusions. --Milton.

2. Hence: Anything agreeably fascinating and charning;
enchantment; witchery; glamour.

Ye soft illusions, dear deceits, arise! --Pope.

3. (Physiol.) A sensation originated by some external object,
but so modified as in any way to lead to an erroneous
perception; as when the rolling of a wagon is mistaken for
thunder.

Note: Some modern writers distinguish between an illusion and
hallucination, regarding the former as originating with
some external object, and the latter as having no
objective occasion whatever.

4. A plain, delicate lace, usually of silk, used for veils,
scarfs, dresses, etc.

Syn: Delusion; mockery; deception; chimera; fallacy. See
Delusion. Illusion, Delusion. Illusion refers
particularly to errors of the sense; delusion to false
hopes or deceptions of the mind. An optical deception is
an illusion; a false opinion is a delusion. --E.
Edwards.

Synonyms: conjuration, conjuring trick, deception, delusion, fancy, fantasy, head game, legerdemain, magic, magic trick, phantasy, semblance, trick

See Also: apparition, appearance, bubble, card trick, deceit, dissembling, dissimulation, ignis fatuus, irradiation, misconception, performance, phantom, phantom limb, prestidigitation, shadow, sleight of hand, will-o'-the-wisp, wishful thinking

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