mesmerize

especially British, mes·mer·ise

[mez-muh-rahyz, mes-]

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

/ ˈmɛzməˌraɪz /

verb

1. a former word for hypnotize

2. to hold (someone) as if spellbound

Other Word Forms

• mesmerization noun
• mesmerizer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesmerize¹

First recorded in 1820–30; back formation from mesmerism

Example Sentences

When Swift finally graced the screen to introduce the program, audience members were mesmerized.

From Los Angeles Times

Rhythmically mesmerizing and harmonically alluring, Minimalism proved the most persuasive new musical method of the late 20th century.

From Los Angeles Times

Washington is unsurprisingly mesmerizing, improvising small gestures and throwaway lines.

From Los Angeles Times

For those who couldn’t get enough, Bravo was the paradigm purveyor of mesmerizing reality schlock.

From Salon

Lambert mesmerizes the assembled crew and onlookers with a potent rendition of “Heaven on Their Minds” and Soo brings tears with a heartfelt performance of “I Don’t Know How to Love Him.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enthrall 
• fascinate 
• hypnotize 
• stupefy