en·light·en·ment 
(ĕn-lītn-mənt)
(ĕn-lītn-mənt)n.
1.
a. The act or a means of enlightening.
b. The state of being enlightened.
2. Enlightenment A philosophical movement of the 1700s that emphasized the use of reason to scrutinize previously accepted doctrines and traditions and that brought about many humanitarian reforms. Used with the.
3. Buddhism & Hinduism A state in which the individual transcends desire and suffering and attains nirvana.