sen ‧ sa ‧ tion /senˈseɪʃ ə n/ BrE AmE noun
[ Date: 1600-1700 ; Language: Medieval Latin ; Origin: sensatio , from Late Latin sensatus 'having sense' , from Latin sensus ; ⇨ ↑ sense 1 ]
1 . [uncountable and countable] a feeling that you get from one of your five senses, especially the sense of touch
burning/prickling/tingling etc sensation
One sign of a heart attack is a tingling sensation in the left arm.
sensation of
a sensation of heat
2 . [countable] a feeling that is difficult to describe, caused by a particular event, experience, or memory
sensation that
Caroline had the sensation that she was being watched.
strange/curious/odd sensation
It was a strange sensation – I felt I’d been there before.
3 . [uncountable] the ability to feel things, especially through your sense of touch:
Jerry realized that he had no sensation in his legs.
4 . [countable usually singular] extreme excitement or interest, or someone or something that causes this
cause/create a sensation
The sex scenes in the film caused a sensation.
pop/fashion/media etc sensation
the latest pop sensation from England
• • •
COLLOCATIONS (for Meanings 1 & 2)
■ adjectives
▪ pleasant
She was enjoying the pleasant sensation of being in the warm water.
▪ unpleasant
I felt a rather unpleasant sensation in my chest.
▪ strange/odd
As we looked at each other I had a strange sensation.
▪ a physical sensation
Babies soon learn to recognize the physical sensation of hunger.
▪ a burning sensation
These chemicals can cause a burning sensation or rash.
▪ a prickling sensation (=a feeling that your skin is stinging)
He felt a prickling sensation on the back of his neck.
▪ a tingling sensation (=a feeling that your skin is stinging slightly)
She felt a tingling sensation, like a mild electric shock.
▪ a choking sensation (=a feeling that you cannot breathe)
A choking sensation filled my throat.
■ verbs
▪ feel/have/experience a sensation
He felt a tingling sensation down his left side.
▪ cause/produce a sensation
The drug can produce strange sensations in some patients.