Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or practice of inducing hypnosis: Hypnotism refers to the process or technique of causing a person to enter a hypnotic state, characterized by focused attention, reduced peripheral awareness, and increased suggestibility.
   • The study or theory of hypnosis: It can also denote the field of study concerned with the phenomena, methods, and theories of hypnosis.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The stage performer used hypnotism to make volunteers act like chickens.
  • She studied hypnotism as a potential tool for managing chronic pain.
  • The debate over the validity of hypnotism continued among psychologists.

Advanced Usage

• "to practice hypnotism": to engage in the act of inducing hypnosis, often professionally.
  • The therapist was licensed to practice hypnotism for anxiety disorders.
• "under hypnotism": in a state induced by hypnosis.
  • The subject recalled forgotten details under hypnotism.

Variants and Related Words

• Hypnosis (n): The state itself, rather than the act of inducing it.
  • The patient was in a deep state of hypnosis.
• Hypnotic (adj): 1. Relating to or inducing hypnosis. 2. Having a soothing, sleep-inducing quality.
  • The doctor used a hypnotic technique.
  • The music had a hypnotic rhythm.
• Hypnotist (n): A person who induces hypnosis.
  • The hypnotist guided the volunteer into a relaxed state.
• Hypnotize (v): To induce hypnosis in someone; to capture someone's attention completely.
  • The therapist will hypnotize the client.
  • The speaker's words hypnotized the audience.

Synonyms

• Mesmerism: An older term for hypnotism, derived from Franz Mesmer.
• Suggestion therapy: A term emphasizing the use of verbal suggestions during a trance state.

Related Phrases

• Post-hypnotic suggestion: A suggestion given during hypnosis intended to be carried out after the trance ends.
  • The post-hypnotic suggestion helped him quit smoking.

Noun

1. the act of inducing hypnosis