HYPERNORMAL Meaning and
Definition
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Hypernormal refers to a condition or state in which the normal or expected becomes abnormal or distorted, typically due to an excessive level of stimulation, exaggeration, or artificiality. The term is often applied to describe the contemporary societal circumstances where individuals are bombarded with an overwhelming amount of information, technologies, media, and socio-cultural developments that surpass their capacity to comprehend or absorb. In a hypernormal state, people become desensitized to what was previously considered abnormal or unconventional, as the boundaries shift, leading to the blurring of what was once the norm and resulting in an unsteady, surreal, or simulated reality.
The concept of hypernormality particularly arises from postmodern theories that analyze the increasing influence of mass media, consumer culture, and technological advancements on individual experiences and perceptions. It suggests that due to the constant exposure to a wide range of stimuli, people gradually acclimate to extremes, deviations, or anomalies, until they become normalized or perceived as part of everyday life. This results in a loss of critical thinking, the acceptance of false or manipulated narratives, and an inability to differentiate between real and artificial phenomena.
Moreover, hypernormal can also refer to an exaggerated state of normality that is purposely created or enforced by authoritarian regimes or political systems to maintain stability or control over the masses. By enforcing a fabricated reality that seems normal but is characterized by widespread repression, censorship, or deceit, such regimes seek to suppress dissent, discourage resistance, and preserve their power. In such scenarios, hypernormality acts as a tool utilized to manipulate the collective consciousness and maintain an illusion of stability despite the existence of underlying issues or systemic problems.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for HYPERNORMAL
- hypernoroal
- hypernorlal
- hypernormil
- hypernormel
- hypernormcl
- hypernormad
- hypernormah
- hypernorman
- hypernormam
- hyperknowrmal
- hypernoarmal
- hypurrnormal
- h ypernormal
- hype rnormal
- hyper normal
- hypern ormal
- hyperno rmal
- hypernor mal
- hypernorm al
- hypernorma l
Etymology of HYPERNORMAL
The term "hypernormal" is a compound word that combines two elements: "hyper" and "normal". Here is the breakdown of each component:
1. Hyper: This element comes from the Greek prefix "hyper-", meaning "over", "beyond", or "excessive". It is commonly used to express an exaggerated or intensified state, as in words like hyperactive, hypersensitive, or hyperbole.
2. Normal: This word originates from the Latin term "normalis", meaning "made according to a norm" or "conforming to a standard". It refers to something that is typical, customary, or expected, often pertaining to the average or standard behavior or state.
When combined, "hypernormal" suggests a condition or situation that exceeds what is traditionally considered normal or deviates greatly from the expected. It often implies an intensified degree of normalcy or a state that is outside the usual bounds of what is considered normal.
