What does psychokinesis mean?
Psychokinesis names the alleged power of the mind to influence physical matter or events without ordinary physical means. Its best-known supposed application is the movement or manipulation of objects by thought alone, a phenomenon more specifically called telekinesis. The word appears in fiction, folklore, accounts of alleged psychic powers, and historical reports of experiments that were never independently established. Although “psychokinesis” can sound like the name of a recognized scientific effect, no reproducible psychokinetic ability has been demonstrated under controlled conditions. In ordinary use, the term therefore often carries a skeptical or literary connotation. It is related etymologically to psychology, concerning the mind, and kinesis, meaning movement, and is closely associated with the adjective psychokinetic.
nounThe alleged influence of the mind on physical matter or events, especially the supposed ability to move or affect objects without physical contact.
- The alleged influence of the mind on physical matter or events.
- The supposed ability to move or manipulate physical objects through mental effort alone.
"The novel explores the possibility of psychokinesis through a child who mysteriously moves objects by thinking about them."
"The stage performer was accused of using psychokinesis to create the illusion of moving objects."
"Early twentieth-century researchers claimed to have observed psychokinesis, although such findings were never reliably established."
Usually an uncountable mass noun; the plural psychokinesises is uncommon.
"The story portrays psychokinesis as a dangerous power that its protagonist struggles to control."
Psychokinesis sounds scientific, but it belongs primarily to fiction, folklore, and claims about psychic powers rather than to established experimental science.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does psychokinesis come from?
Psychokinesis was formed in the early twentieth century from Greek psychē, meaning mind or soul, and kinesis, meaning movement. The combination refers to movement or influence supposedly produced by the mind. Its components also appear in psychology and kinetic, and the more specific term telekinesis developed within the same vocabulary of alleged paranormal powers.
Related word forms
How psychokinesis is actually used
Usually treated as a mass noun. It is primarily used in discussions of alleged paranormal abilities, fictional works, and historical claims; it is not standard scientific terminology.
Easily confused with psychokinesis
Psychokinesis is a general term for alleged mental influence on physical events, whereas telekinesis specifically refers to the alleged movement of objects without physical contact.