‘Hallucinate’: Cambridge Dictionary’s AI-related Word of the Year

This year, the word gained a new, AI-related definition, highlighting the changing landscape of technology and its influence on language.

New definition for a new era

Traditionally, ‘hallucinate’ is understood as experiencing sensory perceptions of things that do not exist. However, its meaning has expanded to encompass a phenomenon in AI: "When an artificial intelligence (AI) hallucinates, it produces false information." This additional definition underscores how AI systems can generate incorrect or misleading information.

The perspective of AI ethics

Real-world implications and awareness

The update follows increased interest in generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Bard, and Grok. A notable example involved a US law firm using ChatGPT for legal research, leading to the citation of fictitious cases in court. Wendalyn Nichols, Cambridge Dictionary's Publishing Manager, remarks that AI's capacity to ‘hallucinate’ serves as a reminder for humans to apply critical thinking when using these technologies. While AIs excel at processing vast data, their originality can sometimes lead them astray.

The expanding AI lexicon

Alongside ‘hallucinate’, approximately 6,000 new words and definitions were added to the dictionary in 2023, many relating to AI. Terms like ‘prompt engineering’, ‘large language model’, and ‘GenAI’ reflect the growing influence of AI in various fields.

Artificial intelligence was also the Collins Dictionary’s word of the year.

Cultural impact on language trends

Other words that saw spikes in online searches include ‘implosion’, following the Titan submersible's incident in June, and ‘GOAT’, an abbreviation for ‘greatest of all time’.

As AI continues to integrate into various aspects of life, the language we use to describe and interact with it will undoubtedly continue to evolve, reflecting broader shifts in perception and understanding.