- enlightenment⇄enlightenment, noun.
1. the act or process of enlightening or state of being enlightened; information; instruction.
2. (Buddhism.) the state of heightened perception in which the individual transcends the mind and body and attains nirvana. - Enlightenment⇄Enlightenment, noun.
a philosophical movement in France and other European countries during the 1700's that emphasized rationalism, intellectual freedom, and freedom from prejudice and superstition in social and political activity.