From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishillusionil‧lu‧sion /ɪˈluːʒən/ ●○○ noun [countable] 1 BELIEVEan idea or opinion that is wrong, especially about yourself → delusionillusion that They suffer from the illusion that they cannot solve their problems. She was under no illusion that he loved her. It is an illusion that the Arctic is dark in winter. She had no illusions about her physical attractiveness. ‘I hate to shatter your illusions, ’ he said.2 SEEsomething that seems to be different from the way it really isillusion of He was unlikely to be satisfied with the illusion of power.give/create an illusion The mirrors in the room gave an illusion of greater space. Credit creates the illusion that you can own things without paying for them. → optical illusion
Examples from the Corpus
illusion• It's a small room, but the mirrors create an illusion of space.• She isn't particularly tall, but her upright posture gives an illusion of height.• The road appears to get narrower as you look into the distance, but it's just an illusion.• Even better this year than last, though maybe that's just an illusion.• She thought he loved her but it was just an illusion.• Through this process of the return to the mean or average, the superbly intelligent, highly motivated race remains an illusion.• The whole thing is just a gigantic illusion.• Carter was well aware of these problems when he was approached by Vance, and had no illusions about the job.• Even better, the full Coliseum will not be an optical illusion.• Farther west is the Hudson River, creating the illusion that ocean liners occasionally sail down the street.• Alcohol gives some people the illusion of being witty and confident.• People had bought these houses under the illusion that their value would just keep on rising.• Professor Gregory is distinguished for his studies in experimental psychology, most notably in visual perception and the nature of visual illusions.• There seems to be a widespread illusion that there are no class barriers anymore.illusion that• Nobody had any illusion that the explanation would be easily accepted.• Neither recently married Pattie nor thrice-married Marianne seem to have illusions that marriage is a lifetime affair.• However, Clinton has no illusions that the Republican Congress would react favorably to a legislative agenda, McCurry said.• He was under no illusions that water could convey forgiveness.• But there were many who were under no illusion that the victory had been won and the tide had turned.• Instead, they are buoyed by positive illusions that they can break new ground or succeed where others have failed.• Such advise fills up too many books of quality management and creates the illusion that something is under control.• Farther west is the Hudson River, creating the illusion that ocean liners occasionally sail down the street.give/create an illusion• Except that there in no real thing: it creates illusion.• It gave an illusion of space and space meant freedom.• These laws create an illusion of safety but do little to prevent such crimes.• He indicated that creating an illusion of being honest, compassionate, and generous is important to gaining and maintaining power.• The trick involved in any attempt to create an illusion of three dimensions when only two are present is well known.• Nigel was ostentatiously smoking a big cigar to give an illusion of poise.• His remedy was to divide the garden with a wicker arch into two sections, to create an illusion of space.• The shorts were pleated about the waist and flared widely, giving an illusion of being a too short skirt.Origin illusion (1300-1400) French Latin illusio, from illudere “to make fun of”, from ludere “to play” 