esper

Esper is a term used in English to refer to a person who is believed to possess ESP, or extrasensory perception. The word is formed by adding the agent noun suffix -er to the acronym ESP, and is used mainly in speculative fiction, popular culture, and discussions of paranormal topics. In fiction, an esper is typically depicted as someone with psychic abilities such as telepathy, clairvoyance, psychokinesis, or precognition. The concept appears across literature, film, comics, and video games, where espers may be individuals, groups, or institutions whose powers influence plot and worldbuilding.

In real-world contexts, ESP remains controversial and not accepted as scientifically proven. Parapsychology studies have reported occasional anomalous results, but no consensus on replicable evidence of ESP exists, and mainstream science regards ESP as unproven. Consequently, the term 'esper' is largely used within fiction and informal discussion rather than as a scientifically grounded category.

Etymology and usage: The term is a back-formation from ESP, and the -er suffix is a common English pattern for agent-noun formation. Variants include 'ESP-er' or simply 'esper.' Notable uses occur in a variety of speculative media, where espers can serve as protagonists, antagonists, or commentators on the ethics and consequences of psychic power.