Psionic

Psionic is an adjective describing phenomena, abilities, or technologies related to psi, the hypothetical core of psychic phenomena such as telepathy, telekinesis, clairvoyance, or precognition. The term is used primarily in fantasy and science fiction to denote mental powers exercised without conventional physical interaction, and in parapsychology to describe studies of supposed psychic abilities. The origin of the word lies in psi, a term used in parapsychology to stand for the alleged psychic phenomena; “psionics” gained popularity in mid-20th-century science fiction as a shorthand for powered individuals whose minds can affect matter or access information beyond the senses.

In popular culture and role-playing games, psionic abilities are often systematized as a distinct power source, including telepathy (mind-to-mind communication), psychokinesis or telekinesis (moving objects with the mind), clairvoyance, precognition, mind control, and psionic shields or defenses. Notable examples appear in various RPGs and video games, where characters can learn, resist, or counter psionic powers.

In the real world, no consensus exists for the existence of psi or psionic powers. Parapsychology studies such phenomena but results are controversial and not widely accepted by the mainstream scientific community or reproducible; many reported effects have not withstood rigorous testing. Consequently, psionic is largely a cultural and fictional term rather than a scientifically established category.

The usage of psionic varies by author and medium: some writers treat psionics as a rigorous branch of science with its own disciplines and devices; others integrate psionic powers as magical or occult abilities. The term has influenced not only literature but also games, films, and comics, contributing to a broad cultural vocabulary for mental or psychic capability.