Physical feelings or perceptions picked up by your senses, or events that cause widespread excitement and attention.
From Latin 'sensatio', derived from 'sentire' meaning 'to feel or perceive'. The word entered English in the 17th century and developed its dual meaning of both physical perception and public excitement.
Your brain is constantly filtering millions of sensations—touch, smell, taste, sight, sound—but you only become *conscious* of a tiny fraction, which is why magicians and pickpockets can fool you! The word perfectly captures both the physical and the emotional thrill.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.