Fantasm

A fantasm is an illusion, a figment of the imagination, or a deceptive appearance, often something unreal or imaginary presented to the mind's eye. It can manifest as a dreamlike vision, a hallucination, or a phantasmagorical image. Fantasms frequently involve exaggerated or distorted perceptions of reality, constructed by the subconscious or through external stimuli. They can be fleeting or persist, influencing thoughts, emotions, and even behavior, highlighting the complex interplay between perception, reality, and the inner world. The term emphasizes the unsubstantial and often ephemeral nature of these imagined constructs.

Fantasm meaning with examples

• Lost in the desolate landscape, the traveler began to see a fantasm of an oasis shimmering in the distance. This imagined refuge, born from thirst and desperation, spurred them forward, a testament to the power of hope and the human need for survival. The illusion eventually dissolved, revealing only barren sand, yet it sustained them for a while before the reality set in.
• Haunted by guilt, the protagonist was plagued by a fantasm of their past misdeeds, replaying events in vivid detail during sleepless nights. Each appearance magnified their remorse, driving them to seek redemption. The fantasm was so potent it affected relationships with family and friends, hindering personal growth.
• The artist's canvas became a portal to their internal world, expressing a fantasm of abstract forms and vibrant colors. The art was a conduit for their innermost desires, transforming personal experiences into a shared imaginative space for others to contemplate. Their work explored what could not be said and felt.
• In the feverish delirium, the patient experienced a disturbing fantasm of monstrous creatures lurking in the shadows. These terrifying images triggered a surge of adrenaline and fear. The images slowly faded once the fever broke, leaving the patient with an enduring sense of dread, making them avoid the darkness.