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hallucinate

Hallucinate (verb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

verb

IPA:

/həˈl(j)uːsɪneɪt/

What does hallucinate mean?

To perceive something that is not actually present, typically in a sensory or perceptual manner.
"The drug caused him to hallucinate vivid, disturbing images."

Detailed Meaning of Hallucinate

This can include seeing, hearing, feeling, or smelling things that do not exist, or experiencing distorted versions of real stimuli. Hallucinations can be brought on by various factors, such as the use of drugs or alcohol, certain medical conditions like schizophrenia, or extreme fatigue or sleep deprivation. In some cases, hallucinations may be vivid and detailed, while in others they may be fleeting and indistinct. The experience of hallucinating can be disorienting and often elicits fear or confusion in the individual experiencing it.

Example Sentences for Hallucinate

1. When his fever spiked, he began to hallucinate, seeing strange creatures on the walls.
2. She didn't hallucinate often, but when she did, it was always the same eerie scene.
3. It's not uncommon for patients with high fever to hallucinate.
4. Prolonged exposure to extreme conditions can make people hallucinate.
5. After days without sleep, the driver started to hallucinate, making the road trip unsafe.
6. The toxic plants in the area can make you hallucinate if ingested.

Origin and Etymology of Hallucinate

The verb 'hallucinate' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'hallucinari,' which means 'to wander in the mind' or 'to dream.' This Latin term is thought to be related to 'alucinari,' which means 'to wander' or 'to be out of one's mind.' Therefore, 'hallucinate' etymologically signifies a mental wandering or a dreamlike state. In contemporary usage, 'hallucinate' describes the perception of something that is not actually present, typically in a sensory or perceptual manner. The etymology of 'hallucinate' emphasizes the idea of the mind straying into a realm of altered perception or distorted reality, highlighting the subjective and often surreal nature of hallucinatory experiences.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the verb hallucinate:

recognize

imagine

discern

perceive

Try Again!

Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Hallucinate

1. Though it was just a nightmare, it felt so real that I thought I was starting to hallucinate.
2. In her delirium, she started to hallucinate, seeing shadows dance on the walls.
3. Some people purposely ingest certain substances to hallucinate for recreational purposes.
4. Severe dehydration caused the hiker to hallucinate, confusing reality with vivid illusions.
5. If you hallucinate, it's important to inform your healthcare provider as it could indicate a serious condition.
6. Certain types of migraines can cause people to hallucinate.
7. Some rare side effects of this medication include the propensity to hallucinate.
8. In extreme cases, sleep deprivation can cause you to hallucinate.
9. During his trance, the shaman appeared to hallucinate, communicating with the spirits.
10. When people hallucinate, their reality may become distorted by their perceptions.
11. They say that if you stare at the painting long enough, you start to hallucinate.
12. Suffering from hypothermia, the stranded mountain climber began to hallucinate.
13. Some forms of schizophrenia can cause individuals to hallucinate.
14. After drinking the ceremonial brew, participants often hallucinate, experiencing vivid visions.