mesmerise
Definition
Verb (transitive) 1. To hold the complete attention of (someone) to the exclusion of everything else; to fascinate or captivate utterly. This meaning describes the power to attract and hold someone's interest as if by a spell. 2. To hypnotize. This is a more literal, historical meaning referring to inducing a hypnotic trance, named after Franz Mesmer.
Usage
The verb "mesmerise" (also spelled "mesmerize") is used to describe a powerful, captivating effect. It is often used in contexts involving performance, storytelling, or any situation where someone's presence or actions are overwhelmingly compelling.
Examples
- Literal/Historical Meaning (Hypnotize):
- The old tale spoke of a wizard who could mesmerise his enemies, leaving them in a helpless trance.
- Figurative/Common Meaning (Captivate):
- The speaker's passionate words mesmerised the entire crowd.
- I was completely mesmerised by the dancer's graceful movements.
- The flickering flames of the campfire mesmerised the children.
Advanced Usage
- "to be mesmerised by": This is the most common construction, indicating the object of fascination.
- We sat, mesmerised by the beauty of the northern lights.
- Used in a passive sense to describe the state of being captivated.
- A mesmerised audience watched the magician's final trick.
Variants and Related Words
- Mesmerising (adj): Having the power to captivate or hypnotize.
- She has a mesmerising voice.
- Mesmerism (n): The practice or power of hypnotism.
- Mesmerist (n): A person who practises mesmerism; a hypnotist.
Synonyms
- Captivate: To attract and hold the interest of.
- Enthrall: To capture the complete attention and interest of.
- Hypnotize: To induce hypnosis; (figuratively) to capture attention completely.
- Spellbind: To hold someone's attention completely as if by a magic spell.
- Fascinate: To attract and hold interest powerfully.
Antonyms
- Bore: To cause to feel weary and uninterested.
- Repel: To drive or force someone away.
- Disenchant: To free from illusion or false belief.
Verb
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induce hypnosis in
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attract strongly, as if with a magnet
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She magnetized the audience with her tricks
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