ILLUMINATI

n. religious group or sect that claims to know the path to enlightenment

n. religious group or sect that claims to know the path to enlightenment

n. one who has attained enlightenment

Illuminati is the name that refers to several groups, both real and fictitious. Most commonly it refers specifically to the Bavarian Illuminati, an Enlightenment era secret society founded in the late eighteenth century. However, in modern times it refers to a purported conspiratorial organization which acts as a shadowy hand behind the throne, allegedly controlling world affairs through present day governments and corporations, usually as a modern incarnation or continuation of the Bavarian Illuminati. In this context, Illuminati is often used in reference to a New World Order (NWO). Many conspiracy theorists believe the Illuminati, The People of The Light, or illuminated ones, are the masterminds behind events that will lead to the establishment of such a New World Order.
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The Illuminati refers to one of any number of secret societies, including the Bavarian Illuminati. The singular form is Illuminatus, also the term used to describe a member of such a group.Illuminati may also mean: LiteratureThe Illuminati, a novel by Larry BurkettIlluminati, the German title of Dan Brown's novel Angels and DemonsIlluminati (Marvel Comics), a group of superheroes created by Marvel ComicsMusicIlluminati (album) an album by The Pastels"Illuminati (song)", a single by Malice Mizer
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v. illuminate, light, lighten, illumine, light up, enlighten

v. light, lighten, brighten

adj. lit up, illuminated, enlightened

(v. t.)
The Rosicrucians.
  

(v. t.)
The Hesychasts, Mystics, and Quietists;
  

(v. t.)
Persons in the early church who had received baptism; in which ceremony a lighted taper was given them, as a symbol of the spiritual illumination they has received by that sacrament.
  

(v. t.)
Members of certain associations in Modern Europe, who combined to promote social reforms, by which they expected to raise men and society to perfection, esp. of one originated in 1776 by Adam Weishaupt, professor of canon law at Ingolstadt, which spread rapidly for a time, but ceased after a few years.
  

(v. t.)
Members of a sect which sprung up in Spain about the year 1575. Their principal doctrine was, that, by means of prayer, they had attained to so perfect a state as to have no need of ordinances, sacraments, good works, etc.; -- called also Alumbrados, Perfectibilists, etc.
  

(v. t.)
Literally, those who are enlightened
  

(v. t.)
Any persons who profess special spiritual or intellectual enlightenment.
  

(v. t.)
An obscure sect of French Familists;
  

Illuminati (Latin) The enlightened, adepts; a title assumed in Europe by different bodies of mystics at different times, claiming to have attained the faculty of direct vision of divine truth, and also applied popularly to later bodies, such as Swedenborgians and Rosicrusians. Its most recent and common use is in reference to a secret society, partly religious, apparently partly political, which arose in Germany toward the end of the 18th century, spread its influence over other countries, had degrees of initiation, and entered into relationships with Masonic lodges.