Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

ELIZA
     
         A famous program by {Joseph
        Weizenbaum}, which simulated a Rogerian psychoanalyst by
        rephrasing many of the patient's statements as questions and
        posing them to the patient.  It worked by simple {pattern
        recognition} and substitution of key words into canned
        phrases.  It was so convincing, however, that there are many
        anecdotes about people becoming very emotionally caught up in
        dealing with ELIZA.  All this was due to people's tendency to
        attach to words meanings which the computer never put there.
     
        See also {ELIZA effect}.
     
        (1997-09-13)