Teleportation: Definition, Meaning, and Examples

Last Updated on
September 20, 2025

1. Teleportation (noun): The hypothetical or fictional process of instantly transporting a person or object from one place to another without traversing the physical space between them.
2. Teleportation (noun, physics): The transfer of quantum information from one location to another using quantum entanglement, without moving physical matter.

The term "teleportation" blends the imaginative possibilities of science fiction with the complex realities of modern physics. From stories of disappearing humans to advanced experiments in quantum mechanics, "teleportation" captures the human fascination with overcoming space and time.

"Teleportation" Definition: What Does "Teleportation" Mean?

"Teleportation" is a powerful term used in speculative fiction and advanced scientific theories. It can refer to fantastic travel through space in stories or to the movement of information in quantum experiments.

Definition of "Teleportation": Instant Transport

This definition of "teleportation" describes a concept common in science fiction where people or objects are moved instantly from one place to another, bypassing the space in between. It’s often seen in books, TV shows, and movies as a futuristic way of travel.

Definition of "Teleportation": Quantum Information Transfer

In quantum physics, "teleportation" refers to the transfer of the quantum state of a particle to another particle at a different location. This happens through quantum entanglement and doesn’t involve any physical travel of matter—just the movement of information.

Parts of Speech

"Teleportation" is used exclusively as a noun. It refers to the act, process, or concept of transferring a person, object, or quantum information from one location to another. While its verb counterpart is "teleport," which is commonly used in science fiction contexts, "teleportation" itself remains a noun and is not commonly used in any other grammatical form.

How to Pronounce "Teleportation"?

Knowing how to pronounce "teleportation" properly is essential for both formal discussions and casual use.

To pronounce "teleportation," begin with "tel," as in "telephone," followed by "uh," a soft vowel sound. The next part is "por," rhyming with "core," then "tay," which sounds like the word "day," and finally "shun," which is pronounced like the end of "nation." The main stress is on the fourth syllable: "tay."

Phonetic Pronunciation:  /ˌtɛl.ə.pɔːrˈteɪ.ʃən/

Synonyms of "Teleportation": Other Ways to Say "Teleportation"

Understanding synonyms of "teleportation" allows for richer expression when describing fictional travel or scientific phenomena. Here are some synonymous or closely related terms.

  • Quantum transfer
  • Instant transport
  • Spatial transfer
  • Displacement (in sci-fi contexts)
  • Quantum teleport
  • Information teleportation

Antonyms of "Teleportation": Other Ways to Say "Teleportation"

Looking at antonyms of "teleportation" helps define it by contrast. These opposites emphasize traditional or physical forms of movement.

  • Transportation
  • Locomotion
  • Travel
  • Movement
  • Transit
  • Migration

Examples of "Teleportation" in a Sentence

Seeing how "teleportation" is used in different sentences helps clarify its meaning and possible applications. Here are ten examples from both fictional and scientific perspectives.

  1. The science fiction novel described a machine that allowed instant teleportation across the galaxy.
  2. Quantum teleportation is a real phenomenon being studied by physicists around the world.
  3. They imagined a future where teleportation replaces air travel entirely.
  4. In the movie, the character vanished in a flash of light through teleportation.
  5. Teleportation between quantum systems does not involve moving the particles themselves.
  6. The researchers succeeded in achieving teleportation of a photon’s state across a lab bench.
  7. She dreamed of teleportation to avoid the morning commute.
  8. The starship was equipped with advanced teleportation technology.
  9. In theory, teleportation could revolutionize communication systems using entangled particles.
  10. While practical teleportation of humans remains science fiction, it fascinates scientists and writers alike.

Frequency of Use

The frequency of use of the word "teleportation" varies between general and academic settings. According to Google's Ngram Viewer, the term saw a notable rise during the mid to late 20th century, largely due to its frequent appearance in science fiction literature and media. More recently, it has also appeared in scholarly publications discussing quantum mechanics and quantum communication, reflecting growing interest in its fictional and scientific implications.

Variants of "Teleportation"

There are a few variants of "teleportation" that either derive from it or relate to it in terms of grammatical structure or concept.

  1. Teleport (verb): To transport instantly from one place to another.
  2. Teleported (verb, past): The past tense of "teleport," indicating that the action has already occurred.
  3. Teleporting (verb, present participle): Indicates the ongoing action of being transported instantly.

Related Terms to "Teleportation"

Several terms are closely connected to the concept of "teleportation," whether through fiction, science, or language.

  1. Quantum entanglement
  2. Information transfer
  3. Beam me up
  4. Displacement
  5. Quantum communication
  6. Time travel
  7. Nonlocality
  8. Virtual transport

Etymology: History and Origins of "Teleportation"

The word "teleportation" comes from combining the Greek prefix tele-, meaning "distant," and the Latin root portare, meaning "to carry." The term was popularized in the early 20th century by science fiction writers, notably Charles Fort, who used it in 1931 to describe unexplained disappearances. Over time, "teleportation" became a central concept in sci-fi literature and later found a place in quantum physics, where it describes a very different but equally fascinating process.

Derivatives and Compounds of "Teleportation"

"Teleportation" has inspired a range of derivatives and compound terms that expand its usage in fiction and science.

  1. Teleport: The verb form meaning to instantly transport.
  2. Teleporter: A fictional or theoretical device that enables teleportation.
  3. Teleportational: An adjective used to describe something related to or involving teleportation.
  4. Quantum teleportation: A real scientific process for transferring quantum states.

Common Misspellings of "Teleportation"

Spelling "teleportation" correctly is important, especially in scientific writing. Here are some common misspellings.

  1. Teleportasion
  2. Telepurtation
  3. Teleprotation
  4. Teleportetion
  5. Telaportation

10 Idioms Similar to "Teleportation"

There are several idioms and phrases in English that reflect similar ideas to "teleportation," such as quick or mysterious travel.

  1. Beam me up
  2. Vanish into thin air
  3. Here one moment, gone the next
  4. Move at the speed of light
  5. In the blink of an eye
  6. Appear out of nowhere
  7. Zip through
  8. Whisked away
  9. Gone in a flash
  10. Pop in and out

10 Common Questions About "Teleportation"

These frequently asked questions explore both the science and fiction behind "teleportation."

1. What is "teleportation"?

"Teleportation" refers to the process of moving something or someone instantly from one place to another without crossing the space in between.

2. Is "teleportation" real?

While physical human teleportation isn’t real, quantum teleportation has been demonstrated in lab settings with particles and quantum states.

3. Who coined the term "teleportation"?

The term was popularized by Charles Fort in 1931 when discussing mysterious disappearances and strange phenomena.

4. How does quantum "teleportation" work?

Quantum teleportation uses entanglement to transfer the quantum state of a particle to another without moving the particle itself.

5. Can humans be teleported?

Currently, teleporting humans is impossible with today’s technology, and it may remain fiction for the foreseeable future.

6. What are some famous examples of "teleportation" in fiction?

Famous examples include “Star Trek” transporters, “Harry Potter” apparitions, and superhero powers like Nightcrawler’s teleportation.

7. Is "teleportation" the same as time travel?

No, "teleportation" refers to spatial movement, while time travel involves movement through time, often into the past or future.

8. What’s the difference between "teleportation" and "transportation"?

"Transportation" involves physical movement through space, while "teleportation" skips the journey and appears instantly at the destination.

9. What technologies are closest to making "teleportation" real?

Quantum computers and advanced photon entanglement experiments are helping researchers understand how teleportation might work on a microscopic scale.

10. Could "teleportation" ever become part of everyday life?

It’s extremely unlikely for human teleportation to become practical, but quantum teleportation might lead to secure communication systems in the future.

Conclusion

"Teleportation" refers to the idea of instant movement from one place to another, either through fiction or quantum theory. Understanding its meaning helps in both enjoying sci-fi stories and grasping advanced scientific concepts. Use "teleportation" to expand your vocabulary and explore more fascinating definitions here.

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