mesmerism

/'mezmərizm/

Thân thiện

The hypnotist performed mesmerism on a willing volunteer.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act or practice of inducing hypnosis; hypnotism: "Mesmerism" refers specifically to the process or technique of putting someone into a hypnotic trance. It is often used in historical contexts.
   • A compelling attraction or fascination: In a figurative sense, "mesmerism" can describe a powerful, spellbinding charm or influence that captivates someone.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The 19th-century doctor was famous for his use of mesmerism to treat nervous disorders.
  • The audience sat in complete silence, held by the mesmerism of the speaker's voice.

Advanced Usage

• "Animal magnetism": An older, historical term synonymous with mesmerism, referring to a supposed magnetic force or influence that one person could exert over another to induce hypnosis.
  • Franz Anton Mesmer's theories on animal magnetism were the foundation of what we now call mesmerism.

Variants and Related Words

• Mesmerist (n): A practitioner of mesmerism.
  • The mesmerist claimed he could cure ailments through suggestion.
• Mesmeric (adj): Having a compelling, hypnotic, or spellbinding quality.
  • The dancer's movements were absolutely mesmeric.
• Mesmerize (v): To hold the attention of someone entirely; to hypnotize.
  • The magician's trick mesmerized the children.

Synonyms

• Hypnotism: The practice of inducing hypnosis.
• Suggestion: The act of influencing a person's thoughts or behavior, often used in a hypnotic context.

Related Phrases

• Under the spell of: Being completely fascinated or controlled by someone or something, similar to the effect of mesmerism.
  • The entire town seemed to be under the spell of the charismatic leader.

Idioms

• To be mesmerized by: To be so fascinated by something that one cannot look away or stop thinking about it.
  • She was mesmerized by the flickering flames of the fire.

Học thuật

Noun

1. the act of inducing hypnosis

Từ đồng nghĩa

• hypnotism
• suggestion