hypnotism

American  

[hip-nuh-tiz-uhm] / ˈhɪp nəˌtɪz əm /

noun

1. the science dealing with the induction of hypnosis.

2. the act of hypnotizing.

3. hypnosis.

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hypnotism British  

/ ˈhɪpnəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the scientific study and practice of hypnosis

2. the process of inducing hypnosis

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Other Word Forms

• hypnotist noun
• hypnotistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of hypnotism

Shortening of neuro-hypnotism, term introduced by British surgeon James Braid (1795–1860) in 1842; hypnotic, -ism

Example Sentences

Perhaps he was healing her with his slime—for all the fishes are said to go to the Tench for medicine—or perhaps it was by touch or massage or hypnotism.

From Literature

What he was not interested in was hypnotism and prehistoric animals, as some pop-culture articles indicated.

From Literature

When he was thirteen, he read a book on hypnotism.

From The New Yorker

Alongside his study of hypnotism, Brown began to teach himself sleight-of-hand tricks with cards, and soon he was earning extra money by giving walk-around performances at local restaurants.

From The New Yorker

He had a medical license, but participated in many fringe-y practices, like using hypnotism on his patients and “treating” people by mail.

From Slate