1. Education that results in understanding and the spread of knowledge
   "The Enlightenment period saw a surge in scientific and philosophical advancements"
    
2. (Hinduism and Buddhism) the beatitude that transcends the cycle of reincarnation; characterized by the extinction of desire and suffering and individual consciousness
   "She claimed to have reached enlightenment through years of meditation";
   - nirvana

1. A movement in Europe from about 1650 until 1800 that advocated the use of reason and individualism instead of tradition and established doctrine
   "the Enlightenment brought about many humanitarian reforms";
   - Age of Enlightenment, Age of Reason

Derived forms: enlightenments

Type of: age, beatitude, blessedness, education, historic period, reform movement

Antonym: unenlightenment

Encyclopedia: Enlightenment