hypnotize

American  

[hip-nuh-tahyz] / ˈhɪp nəˌtaɪz /

especially British, hypnotise

verb (used with object)

hypnotized, hypnotizing

1. to put in the hypnotic state.

2. to influence, control, or direct completely, as by personal charm, words, or domination.

   The speaker hypnotized the audience with his powerful personality.

3. to frighten or startle so that movement is impossible.

   The headlights hypnotized the deer and it just stood staring at the oncoming car.

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verb (used without object)

hypnotized, hypnotizing

1. to practice hypnosis; put or be able to put others into a hypnotic state.

hypnotize British  

/ ˈhɪpnəˌtaɪz /

verb

1. to induce hypnosis in (a person)

2. to charm or beguile; fascinate

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Other Word Forms

• half-hypnotized adjective
• hypnotizability noun
• hypnotizable adjective
• hypnotization noun
• hypnotizer noun
• rehypnotize verb (used with object)
• unhypnotizable adjective
• unhypnotize verb (used with object)

Etymology

Origin of hypnotize

First recorded in 1843; hypnotism, -ize

Example Sentences

And there I was, hypnotized by that woman again.

From Literature

For some the answer is easy–especially now that surfing property sites has become as hypnotizing as scrolling through Instagram or TikTok.

From The Wall Street Journal

I’m so hypnotized by stories of female friendship, especially the way they complicate and evolve over time.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ve always been hypnotized by the sky, by the light and how light works with the clouds.

From Los Angeles Times

The children were hypnotized by her words, but Penelope felt uneasy.

From Literature

Related Words

• anesthetize
• captivate
• fascinate
• mesmerize
• stupefy