ignis fatuus

Noun

Meaning

A phosphorescent light that appears, in the night, over marshy ground, supposed to be occasioned by the decomposition of animal or vegetable substances, or by some inflammable gas; -- popularly called also Will-with-the-wisp, or Will-o'-the-wisp, and Jack-with-a-lantern, or Jack-o'-lantern.

Fig.: A misleading influence; a decoy.

Source: Webster's dictionary

Synonyms

jack-o'-lantern will-o'-the-wisp friar's lantern phantom mirage chimera rainbow beacon spectre specter daydream image error trip fantasy
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Antonyms

fidelity fact reality accuracy realism authenticity
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Hypernyms

phantasy light fantasy illusion fancy visible light

Examples

Reason, an Ignis fatuus of the Mind, Which leaves the light of Nature, Sense, behind. John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester

The Ignis Fatuus is a vapor shining without heat. Isaac Newton

The abdication of Belief Makes the Behavior small Better an ignis fatuus Than no illume at all. Emily Dickinson

Close letter words and terms

ignipotence ignipotent ignipuncture ignis sacer ignitability ignitable