enlightenment meaning and definition

ENLIGHTENMENT noun

Definition of enlightenment (noun)

1. education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge
   • antonym: unenlightenment
2. (Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
   • synonyms: nirvana
3. a movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine
   • "the Enlightenment brought about many humanitarian reforms"
   • synonyms: Age of Reason