mesmerism

[ mez-muh-riz-uhm, mes- ]

noun

1. hypnosis as induced, according to F. A. Mesmer, through animal magnetism.
2. hypnotism.
3. a compelling attraction; fascination.

mesmerism

/ ˈmɛzməˌrɪzəm /

noun

1. a hypnotic state induced by the operator's imposition of his will on that of the patient
2. an early doctrine concerning this

Derived Forms

• ˈmesmerist, noun

Other Words From

• mesmer·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesmerism¹

First recorded in 1775–85; Mesmer + -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesmerism¹

C19: named after F. A. Mesmer (1734–1815), Austrian physician

Example Sentences

All this I admit to be the fever of the mind—a waking dream—an illusion to which mesmerism or magic is but a frivolity.

From Project Gutenberg

The perpetual presence of all this beauty has somewhat the effect of mesmerism or chloroform.

From Project Gutenberg

The lady who is the subject of it is a relation of the writer, and is no believer in the "Mysteries of Mesmerism."

From Project Gutenberg

"Now this is pure mesmerism, I declare," said the colonel, on whom not a gesture of the Takur was lost.

From Project Gutenberg

Mr. Y—— was a novice in our Society and looked with distrust even on such phenomena as can be pro-duced by mesmerism.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• allure
• charisma