mesmerism
/'mezmərizm/
Definition
- 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.
Noun
-
the act of inducing hypnosis
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