Hypnotism, also known as hypnosis, is a human condition involving focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and an enhanced capacity to respond to suggestion. It’s often described as a sleep-like state, but it’s better expressed as a state of focused attention, heightened suggestibility, and vivid fantasies.

There are competing theories explaining hypnosis. Some see it as an altered state of mind or trance.

Hypnosis usually begins with a hypnotic induction involving a series of preliminary instructions and suggestions. The use of hypnosis for therapeutic purposes is referred to as “hypnotherapy”, while its use as a form of entertainment for an audience is known as “stage hypnosis”.

Hypnosis has been shown to have medical and therapeutic benefits, most notably in the reduction of pain and anxiety. It has even been suggested that hypnosis can reduce the symptoms of dementia.