English Dictionary

Definition of “fantasy”

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fantasy or phantasy(ˈfæntəsɪPronunciation for )

Definitions

noun

    1. imagination unrestricted by reality
    2. ((as modifier)  ⇒ a fantasy world 
  2. a creation of the imagination, esp a weird or bizarre one
  3. psychology 
    1. a series of pleasing mental images, usually serving to fulfil a need not gratified in reality
    2. the activity of forming such images
  4. a whimsical or far-fetched notion
  5. an illusion, hallucination, or phantom
  6. a highly elaborate imaginative design or creation
  7. music another word forrarely fantasia , fancy (sense 13) , development (sense 5)
    1. literature having a large fantasy content
    2. a prose or dramatic composition of this type
  9. (modifier) of or relating to a competition, often in a newspaper, in which a participant selects players for an imaginary ideal team, and points are awarded according to the actual performances of the chosen players  ⇒ fantasy football 

verb

  1. a less common word for fantasize

Word Origin

C14 fantasie , from Latin phantasia , from Greek phantazein to make visible

Usage examples

  • The odours of State, reminders of reality, helped keep him from pursuing this fantasy.
    Smith, Mitchell, Stone City (1990)
  • Global warming is a fantasy dreamed up by climate scientists, say the sceptics.
    New Scientist (2005)
  • American Gods is relevant, at times moving, and, in the paradoxical way well-written fantasy works, believable.
    Globe and Mail (2003)
  • Even our first parents, Adam and Eve, Phillips tells us, failed in their escape fantasy.
    Glasgow Herald (2001)
  • Creating the right ambience is important when courting a Scorpio Moon, so give free rein to your fantasy.
    Michael Geary, MOON ASTROLOGY FOR LOVERS (2002)

Commonness

All English words that begin with 'F'

Related Terms

2 results

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