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

Her ability to recall such memories with precision and discuss the way she felt at the time is mesmerizing.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He knew his prey was near, but the mesmerizing aroma from the bakery nearly made him faint.

Read more on Literature

The babies laughed and clapped their chubby hands, while the Incorrigibles watched, mesmerized.

Read more on Literature

A Cranach Eve or Botticelli Venus, she is stiffly erect, her hands and eyes raised as if in mesmerized supplication.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

All of these shows juxtapose the violence and ruthlessness that define the genre with mesmerizing cinematography reflecting the West’s untamed allure.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• enthrall 
• fascinate 
• hypnotize 
• stupefy