What does autohypnosis mean?
Autohypnosis refers to the process of bringing oneself into a hypnotic state without the aid of an external hypnotist. The term combines the Greek roots autos, meaning "self," and hypnos, meaning "sleep," and is used chiefly in psychology, medicine, and self-improvement literature. A person practising autohypnosis typically employs techniques such as focused breathing, progressive relaxation, repetition of calming phrases, or visualisation to reach a state of deep concentration in which they become more receptive to their own suggestions. In this state, individuals may seek to reduce stress, manage chronic pain, break unwanted habits, or improve confidence and performance. Autohypnosis is closely related to self-hypnosis and overlaps with autosuggestion, though it implies a fuller trance-like state than simple affirmation. While its effectiveness varies from person to person and evidence remains mixed for some claimed benefits, the word is well established in both clinical and popular discussions of mind-body techniques.
nounThe induction of a hypnotic state in oneself, typically through self-directed relaxation or concentration techniques.
- The act or practice of hypnotizing oneself, producing a trance-like state of focused attention and heightened suggestibility without external assistance.
"Using autohypnosis, she was able to manage her anxiety before every performance."
"He learned autohypnosis as a technique to control chronic pain without medication."
"Through daily sessions of autohypnosis, she gradually overcame her fear of public speaking."
Rarely used in the plural, as the word typically denotes a practice rather than countable instances.
"Different traditions approach autohypnoses with distinct techniques."
The word 'autohypnosis' packs two Greek roots — autos ('self') and hypnos ('sleep') — into a single term for the art of putting yourself into a trance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of autohypnosis
Autohypnosis derives from Greek roots: autos ("self") and hypnos ("sleep"), the latter also underlying hypnosis. The term emerged in the 19th century alongside the development of modern hypnosis research, following earlier related coinages such as hypnosis itself, which was introduced around the 1840s by James Braid's circle. Related words sharing these roots include autonomous and automatic (from autos) and hypnotic and hypnotism (from hypnos).
Related word forms
How autohypnosis is actually used
Autohypnosis is a formal, clinical, or academic term; in everyday speech, "self-hypnosis" is far more common. It appears most often in psychology, alternative medicine, and self-improvement contexts.
Easily confused with autohypnosis
Autosuggestion is the repetition of affirmations or suggestions to oneself, while autohypnosis refers specifically to inducing a full hypnotic trance state in oneself.