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.

---

mesmerize British  

/ ˈmɛzməˌraɪz /

verb

1. a former word for hypnotize

2. to hold (someone) as if spellbound

---

Other Word Forms

• mesmerization noun
• mesmerizer noun

Etymology

Origin of mesmerize

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from mesmerism

Example Sentences

The 2025 season ended Nov. 1 with an 11-inning Dodgers victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in what was one of the most mesmerizing World Series ever.

From Los Angeles Times

Or, in the case of credit cards, they mesmerize you with the many glamorous perks you can acquire, failing to note the debt you may accrue in the process.

From Salon

In a previous listing, the property was described as a “private retreat” that offers “mesmerizing city lights and mountain views that will leave you breathless.”

From MarketWatch

That such a seemingly commonplace location is elevated to feel mesmerizing speaks to how animation can make the mundane anew.

From Los Angeles Times

The device adds another layer of intrigue to a mesmerizing and often heartbreaking story.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• enthrall
• fascinate
• hypnotize
• stupefy