hypnotic

[ hip-not-ik ]

adjective

1. of or relating to hypnosis or hypnotism.
2. inducing or like something that induces hypnosis.
3. susceptible to hypnotism, as a person.
4. inducing sleep.

noun

1. an agent or drug that produces sleep; sedative.
2. a person who is susceptible to hypnosis.
3. a person under the influence of hypnotism.

hypnotic

/ hɪpˈnɒtɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or producing hypnosis or sleep
2. (of a person) susceptible to hypnotism

noun

1. a drug or agent that induces sleep
2. a person susceptible to hypnosis

Derived Forms

• hypˈnotically, adverb

Other Words From

• hyp·noti·cal·ly adverb
• anti·hyp·notic adjective noun
• anti·hyp·noti·cal·ly adverb
• nonhyp·notic adjective noun
• nonhyp·noti·cal·ly adverb
• prehyp·notic adjective
• unhyp·notic adjective
• unhyp·noti·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypnotic¹

1680–90; < Late Latin hypnōticus < Greek hypnōtikós sleep-inducing, narcotic, equivalent to hypnō- (variant stem of hypnoûn to put to sleep; Hypnos ) + -tikos -tic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypnotic¹

C17: from Late Latin hypnōticus, from Greek hupnōtikos, from hupnoun to put to sleep, from hupnos sleep

Example Sentences

Enough with the score, expertly handled by music director and conductor Marc Macalintal and an orchestra that blends Eastern and Western instruments to hypnotic effect.

From Los Angeles Times

“Streetcar” may be Williams’ most exciting and even hypnotic play, but I’m not sure it’s his best.

From Los Angeles Times

But unusually, danceable beats and hypnotic synths invade the archival footage of the final days of Saigon, when the U.S. government swooped in to resettle more than 120,000 refugees airlifted to military bases in 1975, rescuing them after bloodshed that left lives still ravaged today.

From Los Angeles Times

As captivating as Yudam Hyung Seok Jeon’s video and Eric Sluyter’s sound design and music are, it’s the hypnotic individuality and exemplary discipline of the performers that seize our attention.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s not surprising Morris would find this shameful chapter worthy of his hypnotic focus.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mesmerizing
• soothing