mesmerize

American  

[mez-muh-rahyz, mes-] / ˈmɛz məˌraɪz, ˈmɛs- /

especially British, mesmerise

verb (used with object)

mesmerized, mesmerizing

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.

3. 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.

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mesmerize British  

/ ˈmɛzməˌraɪz /

verb

1. a former word for hypnotize

2. to hold (someone) as if spellbound

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Other Word Forms

• mesmerization noun
• mesmerizer noun

Etymology

Origin of mesmerize

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from mesmerism

Example Sentences

Seyfried’s performance is, no exaggeration, one of the finest and most mesmerizing turns any actor has given across the thriller genre.

From Salon

His work is a moving and complex love letter to Mexico, mesmerizing anyone who has ever been awestruck by the country.

From Los Angeles Times

My mom and dad happily accept the invitation, and Abuela looks mesmerized upon hearing all this.

From Literature

He started sumo wrestling, too, and as a preteen was mesmerized by a YouTube clip he saw of a famous match between sumo legends Takanohana and Asashoryu.

From The Wall Street Journal

You could see them all the time up here in Churchill, but Owen never failed to be mesmerized by them.

From Literature

Related Words

• enthrall
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• stupefy