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illusion

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The definition of an illusion is an idea or something you can see that isn’t real.

(noun)

An example of an illusion is a magician making someone disappear in a box.

Illusion is defined as something that tricks the eye.

(noun)

An example of an illusion is a drawing that can look like an old lady or a vase depending on which part you focus on.

See illusion in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a false idea or conception; belief or opinion not in accord with the facts
an unreal, deceptive, or misleading appearance or image: a large mirror giving the illusion of space in a small room
1. a false perception, conception, or interpretation of what one sees, where one is, etc.
2. the misleading image resulting in such a false impression
hallucination
a delicate, gauzy silk tulle used for veils, etc.

Origin: ME illusioun < OFr illusion < L illusio, a mocking (in LL(Ec), deceit, illusion) < illusus, pp. of illudere, to mock, play with < in-, on + ludere, to play: see ludicrous

Related Forms:

illusional adjective or illusionary

See illusion in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. An erroneous perception of reality.
b. An erroneous concept or belief.
The condition of being deceived by a false perception or belief.
Something, such as a fantastic plan or desire, that causes an erroneous belief or perception.
Illusionism in art.
A fine transparent cloth, used for dresses or trimmings.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin illūsiō, illūsiōn-

Origin: , from Latin, a mocking, irony

Origin: , from illūsus

Origin: , past participle of illūdere, to mock

Origin: : in-, against; see in-²

Origin: + lūdere, to play; see leid- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: