What does telekinetic mean?
Telekinetic is an adjective meaning relating to or possessing the supposed ability to move or otherwise affect physical objects by mental power rather than physical contact. It is closely associated with telekinesis, the paranormal phenomenon in which a person is said to exert influence on objects at a distance. In fiction, fantasy, and discussion of alleged psychic powers, telekinetic commonly modifies nouns such as powers, ability, and strength: a character may raise a table by telekinetic power. The word is not normally used as a neutral scientific label because claimed telekinetic effects have not been reliably reproduced. Its combination of Greek roots for “distant” and “movement” makes it especially memorable. Today it is most common in speculative, supernatural, and popular cultural contexts, where it vividly describes a power operating without physical contact.
adjectiveRelating to or exhibiting the supposed ability to move or otherwise affect physical objects by mental power rather than physical contact.
- Relating to telekinesis, the supposed ability to move or affect physical objects through mental power.
- Having or displaying supposedly supernatural powers of mental influence over physical objects.
"The comic-book hero used her telekinetic powers to stop the falling train."
"The telekinetic child concentrated until the pencil rose from the desk."
"Experiments claiming telekinetic effects have not produced reproducible evidence."
Telekinetic literally evokes “distant movement,” making it the perfect label for a superhuman who moves objects without touching them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does telekinetic come from?
The Greek combining form τηλε- means “far” or “distant,” while κίνησις means “movement” or “motion.” Telekinesis joined these elements to name supposed movement or influence at a distance, and the adjective telekinetic was formed from that noun with the suffix -ic. It belongs to the same Greek-derived family as kinetic, kinesis, and kinematics.
Related word forms
How telekinetic is actually used
Chiefly used in fiction, fantasy, and discussion of alleged paranormal abilities. Because no reliable experimental support exists for telekinetic effects, the term is usually treated as speculative rather than as an established scientific phenomenon.
Easily confused with telekinetic
Telekinetic refers to supposed mental influence on physical objects, whereas telepathic refers to supposed communication or knowledge transfer between minds.