CultureAugust 15, 2026

hallucinatory

huh-LOO-suh-nuh-TOR-ee

Definition

Relating to or involving perceptions that appear real but lack an external physical stimulus, characterized by a dreamlike or surreal quality.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'hallucinari,' meaning to wander in mind or talk idly, which eventually entered English through French. It historically refers to the experience of seeing or sensing things that are not physically present.

In the news

The article uses this term to describe an embrace between two siblings that feels dreamlike and surreal, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. It emphasizes the ambiguous, fever-dream nature of the protagonist's quest.

Mission review – dangerous quest to mend a broken childhood

Read the full article ↗

The Guardian

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