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

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

I knew what she meant: I’d only gotten acupuncture once, despite her promise that bodywork could “unstick” the trauma; I refused to let Dr. M hypnotize me.

From Slate

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

From Salon

Though it’s been almost 20 years since the band’s last album “Hypnotize” came out in 2005, their influence in rock remains undeniable.

From Los Angeles Times

I thought the spinning wheel might even hypnotize him, like in an old movie I’d seen with Ms. Mac.

From Literature

Related Words

• anesthetize
• captivate
• fascinate
• mesmerize
• stupefy