Definition of illusion
1aobsolete. the action of deceiving b(1). the state or fact of being intellectually deceived or misled. misapprehension (2). an instance of such deception
2a(1). a misleading image presented to the vision (2). something that deceives or misleads intellectually b(1). perception of something objectively existing in such a way as to cause misinterpretation of its actual nature (2). hallucination 1 (3). a pattern capable of reversible perspective
3. a fine plain transparent bobbinet or tulle usually made of silk and used for veils, trimmings, and dresses
illusional
play i-ˈlüzh-nəl, -ˈlü-zhə-n ə l adjective
First Known Use: 14th century
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Examples of illusion in a Sentence
The video game is designed to give the illusion that you are in control of an airplane.
They used paint to create the illusion of metal.
She says that all progress is just an illusion .
Recent Examples of illusion from the Web
But Trump, one official said, has fewer illusions that China will radically alter its approach to its reclusive neighbor, which is driven more by fear of a chaotic upheaval there than by concern about its nuclear and missile programs.
Then, there's Cherrysandal, a chunky platform heel with a translucent back, which gives the illusion of a floating ankle strap.
Any illusions that the Reds wouldn’t be sellers at the trade deadline have now disappeared with the team’s recent skid.
Among the best illusions are those at the beginning, when their three bodies intertwine to create the plane in flight and its messy crash.
Description: Use recycled materials to build a wind chime, create 3-D works of art and paint an optical illusion .
There were tremendous illusions created at the beginning.
The special effects also include music, lasers, motion projectors, holograms and other illusions. including optional 3-D glasses for an extra challenge.
Mr. Mattis had scars from the heavy losses borne by the Marines there, while General McMaster’s exposure to rampant corruption would rob him of any illusions that a few thousand new troops could turn around Afghanistan.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'illusion'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback .
allusion and illusion
Allusion and illusion may share some portion of their ancestry (both words come in part from the Latin word ludere. meaning “to playâ€), and sound quite similar, but they are distinct words with very different meanings. An allusion is an indirect reference, whereas an illusion is something that is unreal or incorrect. Each of the nouns has a related verb form: allude “to refer indirectly to,†and illude (not a very common word), which may mean “to delude or deceive†or “to subject to an illusion.â€