hypnotize

[ hip-nuh-tahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, hyp·no·tized, hyp·no·tiz·ing.

1. to put in the hypnotic state.
2. to influence, control, or direct completely, as by personal charm, words, or domination:

   The speaker hypnotized the audience with his powerful personality.

3. to frighten or startle so that movement is impossible:

   The headlights hypnotized the deer and it just stood staring at the oncoming car.

verb (used without object)

, hyp·no·tized, hyp·no·tiz·ing.

1. to practice hypnosis; put or be able to put others into a hypnotic state.

hypnotize

/ ˈhɪpnəˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to induce hypnosis in (a person)
2. to charm or beguile; fascinate

Derived Forms

• ˌhypnoˌtizaˈbility, noun
• ˈhypnoˌtizer, noun
• ˈhypnoˌtizable, adjective
• ˌhypnotiˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• hypno·tiza·ble adjective
• hypno·tiza·bili·ty noun
• half-hypno·tized adjective
• re·hypno·tize verb (used with object) rehypnotized rehypnotizing
• un·hypno·tiza·ble adjective
• un·hypno·tize verb (used with object) unhypnotized unhypnotizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypnotize¹

First recorded in 1843; hypnotism, -ize

Example Sentences

The surreal, visually hypnotizing production by Italian director Romeo Castellucci made little effort to make narrative sense.

From Los Angeles Times

In a tone that sounded like he was trying to hypnotize female voters, Trump instructed, "You will no longer be thinking about abortion."

From Salon

And Janice Franklin now said she and her sister had both been hypnotized to enhance their supposed recollections, and had both lied in court when they denied it.

From Los Angeles Times

This preschool teacher's voice is meant to hypnotize us and pull us along.

From Salon

Others jump on Instagram or TikTok to proclaim that they always hated kittens until one perfect little love nugget materializes at their doorstep and hypnotizes them into bending the knee.

From Salon

Related Words

• anesthetize
• captivate
• fascinate
• mesmerize
• stupefy