mesmerize

[ mez-muh-rahyz, mes- ]

verb (used with object)

, mes·mer·ized, mes·mer·iz·ing.

1. to completely capture the attention of; spellbind; fascinate:

   This young pianist has mesmerized audiences with her incredible technique and range of musical expression.

2. to hypnotize or put into a trancelike state; cause (someone) to be open to the power of suggestion or unable to act on their own:

   According to ancient myth, the song of the sea nymphs mesmerized sailors, drawing them into disastrous waters.

3. to cause or compel through fascination or by hypnotizing:

   Advertising can easily mesmerize us into thinking that wealth is the same as money and possessions.

   In this game scene, the warriors do not know they’ve been mesmerized into the service of the enemy.

mesmerize

/ ˈmɛzməˌraɪz /

verb

1. a former word for hypnotize
2. to hold (someone) as if spellbound

Derived Forms

• ˈmesmerˌizer, noun
• ˌmesmeriˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• mes·mer·i·za·tion [mez-m, uh, -rahy-, zey, -sh, uh, n, mes-], noun
• mes·mer·iz·er noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesmerize¹

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from mesmerism

Example Sentences

As a narrative of life — or ancient history or modern America — the paintings mesmerize.

From Los Angeles Times

This was his great insight: that he has just the right type of charisma to laser-focus a generalized rage against the decline of American life into a political weapon through artful slander, personal maliciousness, self-aggrandizement, and the ability to mesmerize the public with lies, lies so ridiculous that they could only be perceived as truthful.

From Salon

But in the years since, Keegan has opted for a path more befitting an author whose tales often mesmerize by thwarting expectations.

From Los Angeles Times

Naturally, 50 Cent jabbed at the “Mesmerize” rapper over his involvement with the failed Fyre Festival by posting a now-deleted Donald Trump meme to his Instagram.

From Los Angeles Times

It fell into their hands as the fruit of Hitler's satanic ability to mesmerize enough Germans to trade their birthright for a pottage of scapegoating, short-term economic gain, xenophobia, and racism.

From Salon

Related Words

• enthrall
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• stupefy