animal magnetism

American  

noun

1. the power to attract others through one's physical presence, bearing, energy, etc.

2. the indefinite power, presumably innate in some persons, that enables one to induce hypnosis.

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animal magnetism British  

noun

1. facetious the quality of being attractive, esp to members of the opposite sex

2. obsolete hypnotism

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Etymology

Origin of animal magnetism

First recorded in 1775–85

Example Sentences

And while the actors’ connection lacks animal magnetism, their characters are united in their reveries about how love is supposed to feel.

From New York Times

Still, Poe wasn't immune to quackery himself, finding trendy pseudosciences like phrenology and animal magnetism perfectly sensible.

From Salon

Tenacious and tireless, Billy Graham was blessed with what more than one observer called animal magnetism.

From New York Times

Its list of inventions and discoveries began with algebra, anchors, and animal magnetism and ended with the zodiac.

From Washington Post

To further complicate matters, Pirie finds herself attracted to a kilt-wearing Adonis whose animal magnetism may be joined to a duplicitous soul.

From Washington Post