mesmerize

[ mez-muh-rahyz, mes- ]
See synonyms for: mesmerizemesmerizedmesmerizing on Thesaurus.com

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.

  1. 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.

Origin of mesmerize

1
First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from mesmerism
  • Also especially British, mes·mer·ise .

Other words from mesmerize

  • mes·mer·i·za·tion [mez-muh-rahy-zey-shuhn, mes-], /ˌmɛz məˌraɪˈzeɪ ʃən, ˌmɛs-/, noun
  • mes·mer·iz·er, noun

Words Nearby mesmerize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use mesmerize in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for mesmerize

mesmerize

mesmerise

/ (ˈmɛzməˌraɪz) /


verb(tr)
  1. a former word for hypnotize

  2. to hold (someone) as if spellbound

Derived forms of mesmerize

  • mesmerization or mesmerisation, noun
  • mesmerizer or mesmeriser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012