mesmerize

American  

[mez-muh-rahyz, mes-] / ˈmɛz məˌraɪz, ˈmɛs- /

especially British, mesmerise

verb (used with object)

mesmerized, mesmerizing

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.

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mesmerize British  

/ ˈmɛzməˌraɪz /

verb

1. a former word for hypnotize

2. to hold (someone) as if spellbound

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Other Word Forms

• mesmerization noun
• mesmerizer noun

Etymology

Origin of mesmerize

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 • Apr. 7, 2024

Still there is the natural arm talent that can mesmerize with effortless form and quick release.

From Washington Times • Aug. 18, 2023

I’m referring to Ichiro, the Sultan of Slap, who used to mesmerize teammates and foes alike with his daily power display in batting practice.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 1, 2023

This was the first domestic event since CNN’s creation in 1980 to mesmerize the nation with saturation coverage by cable television.

From Washington Post • Apr. 7, 2023

For a second the colors mesmerize me, bright green and deep blue and brown.

From "Divergent" by Veronica Roth

Related Words

• enthrall
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• stupefy