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

One of Wise’s most stunning compositions, “Forest Interlude,” began as an attempt to recreate the hypnotic synthesizer sounds of Duran Duran’s “Save a Prayer.”

From New York Times

Never explicitly, “All We Imagine as Light,” a miraculously subtle piece of work, poses all of the questions above, spreading a luxuriant, hypnotic ennui.

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• mesmerizing
• soothing